Graduate (Year-Round) Internship - Digital Twin Development for Biorefinery Processes

National Laboratory of the Rockies; Colorado; On-site; USD 45,000 - 71,000; Part time

Job summary

The National Laboratory of the Rockies in Golden, CO invites a Graduate Internship focused on developing a digital twin for biorefinery processes. You will support engineers and data scientists in modeling biomass conversion, integrating sensor data, and building visualization dashboards to enable real-time monitoring and scenario analysis.

Preferred candidates are pursuing a master's or PhD in computational sciences or chemical engineering, with hands-on Python and/or C++, Cantera or CFD

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a master's degree in computational sciences, computational engineering, chemical engineering, biology, or related field.
• Experience programming in Python and/or C++.
• Experience modeling reactors and integrating with CFD frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement process models representing biomass conversion, upgrading, and separation units.
• Integrate sensor data and historical process data into the digital twin architecture.
• Develop simulation tools and dashboards for visualization, control, and scenario analysis.
• Contribute to model validation using pilot-scale data and collaboration on experimental feedback loops.
• Document assumptions, system architecture, and modeling workflows for reproducibility and team collaboration.
• Participate in team meetings and present regular progress updates.

Skills

Python

C++

Cantera

Digital twin

AI/ML

Education

Master's degree (computational sciences / engineering)

PhD student (or enrolled)

Tools

Cantera

CFD frameworks

Aspen Plus

Job description

Graduate (Year-Round) Internship - Digital Twin Development for Biorefinery Processes

Location

CO - Golden

Position Type

Intern (Fixed Term)

Hours Per Week

40

Working at NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.

Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description

The Integrated Carbon Conversion Processes (ICCP) Group within NREL's Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale-Up (CCTS) Center has an opening for a Graduate Internship position. The selected candidate will support senior process engineers, modelers, and data scientists in developing a digital twin for an experimental biological and thermocatalytic conversion platform. The goal of the project is to create a virtual representation of key unit operations, enabling real-time monitoring, dynamic simulation, and predictive analytics for biomass and waste conversion to produce biofuels and bioproducts.

• Design and implement process models representing biomass conversion, upgrading, and separation units
• Integrate sensor data and historical process data into the digital twin architecture
• Develop simulation tools and dashboards for visualization, control, and scenario analysis
• Contribute to model validation using pilot-scale data and collaboration on experimental feedback loops
• Document assumptions, system architecture, and modeling workflows for reproducibility and team collaboration
• Participate in team meetings and present regular progress updates
• Contribute toward peer reviewed manuscripts and other technical documentation

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Undergraduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelor's degree program from an accredited institution.

Post Undergraduate: Earned a bachelor's degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.

Graduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a master's degree program from an accredited institution.

Post Graduate: Earned a master's degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.

Graduate + PhD: Completed master's degree and enrolled as PhD student from an accredited institution.

If selected for position, a letter of recommendation will be required as part of the hiring process.

Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• The candidate should be currently pursuing or have recently completed a master's degree or be currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in computational sciences, computational engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biological engineering, chemistry, biology, or a related field
• Experience programming in Python and/or C++
• Experience modeling chemical reactors (e.g., using Cantera) and integrating with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) frameworks

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building techno-economic models using software platforms (e.g., Aspen Plus)
• Exposure to artificial intelligence/machine learning methods for process optimization or anomaly detection
• Experience with digital twin platforms (e.g., AnyLogic, TwinCAT, Siemens Xcelerator)
• Interest in bioprocessing, energy systems, or sustainable technology development.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills

Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: / Annual Salary Range: $44,500 - $71,200