Undergraduate/Graduate Summer Internship: Biological Safety Program

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CO - Golden

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Intern (Fixed Term)

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40

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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.

As a Biosafety Intern within the ESHQ Biosafety Programs group at NLR, you will support implementation of biosafety and biosecurity practices that enable cutting-edge research while maintaining compliance with applicable standards and regulations. This internship provides a hands-on opportunity to learn and contribute to core elements of a biosafety program supporting Biosafety Level 1 and 2 (BSL-1, BSL-2) research laboratories. The intern will support ongoing initiatives related to laboratory inspections, documentation, training and communication, risk assessment, inventory and waste handling, and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) processes.

In this capacity, the intern will take on a supporting role under the guidance of senior biosafety professionals and will not hold sole responsibility for regulated activities. The intern’s contributions may include:

Laboratory Inspections and Audits:

• Assist with routine walkthroughs of BSL-1 and BSL-2 laboratories to verify compliance with institutional policies and recognized best practices (e.g., BMBL), including PPE selection and use, biohazard signage/labeling, biosafety cabinet (BSC) practices, sharps and spill management, and proper segregation/handling of biohazardous and chemical wastes.

• Support documentation of findings, entry into tracking systems, and follow-up on minor corrective actions in collaboration with lab staff and ESHQ mentors.

• Shadow internal inspections and external assessments to understand audit preparation, conduct, and closure.

Documentation and Record Control:

• Review, update, and help standardize biosafety-related SOPs, protocols, and templates for BSL-1/2 operations (e.g., BSC use, disinfection, spill response, waste handling, autoclave operation).
• Assist with document control activities, version tracking, and migration of materials to approved repositories (e.g., SharePoint) to maintain current, accessible, and compliant documentation.

Training and Communication:

• Help develop and update training materials, slide decks, quick-reference guides, and lab-specific postings on biosafety topics (e.g., PPE, disinfection, waste, incident reporting).
• Support delivery logistics for training (e.g., scheduling, roster management) and assist with learning management system entries as directed.

Risk Assessment and Incident Learning:

• Assist in evaluating and documenting biological risks for new or modified work, research protocols, and equipment setup under the supervision of biosafety staff.
• Support review of incident, near-miss, and exposure reports to capture lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement activities.

Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Support:

• Assist with preparation, tracking, and review of IBC submissions, approvals, and notifications.
• Update and reconcile out-of-date IBC approvals and notifications; follow up with principal investigators to obtain current information and ensure alignment with ongoing work.
• Help maintain IBC records and dashboards; support meeting preparation, agendas, and minutes as directed.
• Compile summary reports on IBC status, including aging approvals/notifications and closure of legacy activities.

Special Projects and Shadowing:

• Participate in targeted projects such as autoclave efficacy verification, reconciliation of biological materials inventories, signage refresh campaigns, and IBC oversite.

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience with projects involving:

• Application of basic biosafety and laboratory practices in BSL-1/2 settings (e.g., aseptic technique, BSC work practices, decontamination, waste segregation).
• Drafting or revising laboratory SOPs and job aids.
• Conducting safety walkthroughs/inspections and documenting observations.
• Managing or reconciling inventories and records (e.g., biological materials, training completion, equipment certifications).
• Assisting with training development or delivery and safety communications.
• Using data systems for tracking inspections, incidents, or approvals (e.g., SharePoint, Excel-based trackers, EHS databases).

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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.

Please Note:
- Applicants are responsible for uploading official or unofficial school transcripts, as part of the application process.
- 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.

Eligibility requirements: This position will require access to Controlled Unclassified Information which may include restricted dissemination requirements based on citizenship. As a result, applicants may be excluded from consideration based on citizenship in accordance with DOE O 471.7, Controlled Unclassified Information.

- Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

• Eligibility requirements: This position will require access to Controlled Unclassified Information which may include restricted dissemination requirements based on citizenship. As a result, applicants may be excluded from consideration based on citizenship in accordance with DOE O 471.7, Controlled Unclassified Information.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques, biosafety levels (BSL-1/2), personal protective equipment (PPE), BSC work practices, decontamination, waste segregation, aseptic technique, etc.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); familiarity with SharePoint or similar collaboration platforms is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Familiarity or exposure to conducting safety walkthroughs/inspections and documenting observations.
• Experience with laboratory record keeping like managing or reconciling inventories and records (e.g., biological materials, training completion, equipment certifications), or related data entry experience and eagerness to apply it to a laboratory setting.

• Coursework or hands-on experience in biosafety, microbiology laboratory techniques, or environmental health and safety.

• Experience assisting with laboratory inspections, incident reporting, or corrective action tracking.

• Experience with document control systems and SOP development, including versioning and review cycles.

• Familiarity with relevant standards and guidance (e.g., CDC/NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories [BMBL], NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, DOT/State rules for regulated medical waste).

• Exposure to or interest in biorisk management systems (e.g., ISO 35001) and quality system concepts.

• Experience supporting committee-based review processes (e.g., IBC or equivalent), including preparing submissions and maintaining records.

• Experience with training development tools and data visualization (e.g., PowerPoint, SharePoint, Power BI) to support reporting and communication.

• Self-motivated, collaborative, and adaptable to evolving research needs and field/laboratory conditions.

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

Job Profile: / Annual Salary Range: $39,600 - $63,400

NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match - ; and sick leave (where required by law). NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Internships projected to be less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.

- Based on eligibility rules

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Intern assignments extending beyond six months will be subject to this requirement.

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodations

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.

As a Biosafety Intern within the ESHQ Biosafety Programs group at NLR, you will support implementation of biosafety and biosecurity practices that enable cutting-edge research while maintaining compliance with applicable standards and regulations. This internship provides a hands-on opportunity to learn and contribute to core elements of a biosafety program supporting Biosafety Level 1 and 2 (BSL-1, BSL-2) research laboratories. The intern will support ongoing initiatives related to laboratory inspections, documentation, training and communication, risk assessment, inventory and waste handling, and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) processes. In this capacity, the intern will take on a supporting role under the guidance of senior biosafety professionals and will not hold sole responsibility for regulated activities. The intern’s contributions may include:Laboratory Inspections and Audits:Assist with routine walkthroughs of BSL-1 and BSL-2 laboratories to verify compliance with institutional policies and recognized best practices (e.g., BMBL), including PPE selection and use, biohazard signage/labeling, biosafety cabinet (BSC) practices, sharps and spill management, and proper segregation/handling of biohazardous and chemical wastes. Support documentation of findings, entry into tracking systems, and follow-up on minor corrective actions in collaboration with lab staff and ESHQ mentors. Shadow internal inspections and external assessments to understand audit preparation, conduct, and closure. Documentation and Record Control:Review, update, and help standardize biosafety-related SOPs, protocols, and templates for BSL-1/2 operations (e.g., BSC use, disinfection, spill response, waste handling, autoclave operation). Assist with document control activities, version tracking, and migration of materials to approved repositories (e.g., SharePoint) to maintain current, accessible, and compliant documentation. Training and Communication:Help develop and update training materials, slide decks, quick-reference guides, and lab-specific postings on biosafety topics (e.g., PPE, disinfection, waste, incident reporting). Support delivery logistics for training (e.g., scheduling, roster management) and assist with learning management system entries as directed. Risk Assessment and Incident Learning:Assist in evaluating and documenting biological risks for new or modified work, research protocols, and equipment setup under the supervision of biosafety staff. Support review of incident, near-miss, and exposure reports to capture lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement activities. Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Support:Assist with preparation, tracking, and review of IBC submissions, approvals, and notifications. Update and reconcile out-of-date IBC approvals and notifications; follow up with principal investigators to obtain current information and ensure alignment with ongoing work. Help maintain IBC records and dashboards; support meeting preparation, agendas, and minutes as directed. Compile summary reports on IBC status, including aging approvals/notifications and closure of legacy activities. Special Projects and Shadowing:Participate in targeted projects such as autoclave efficacy verification, reconciliation of biological materials inventories, signage refresh campaigns, and IBC oversite. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated experience with projects involving:Application of basic biosafety and laboratory practices in BSL-1/2 settings (e.g., aseptic technique, BSC work practices, decontamination, waste segregation). Drafting or revising laboratory SOPs and job aids. Conducting safety walkthroughs/inspections and documenting observations. Managing or reconciling inventories and records (e.g., biological materials, training completion, equipment certifications). Assisting with training development or delivery and safety communications. Using data systems for tracking inspections, incidents, or approvals (e.g., SharePoint, Excel-based trackers, EHS databases).. 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. Please Note: - Applicants are responsible for uploading official or unofficial school transcripts, as part of the application process. - 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. Eligibility requirements: This position will require access to Controlled Unclassified Information which may include restricted dissemination requirements based on citizenship. As a result, applicants may be excluded from consideration based on citizenship in accordance with DOE O 471.7, Controlled Unclassified Information. - Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date. Additional Required Qualifications. Eligibility requirements: This position will require access to Controlled Unclassified Information which may include restricted dissemination requirements based on citizenship. As a result, applicants may be excluded from consideration based on citizenship in accordance with DOE O 471.7, Controlled Unclassified Information. Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques, biosafety levels (BSL-1/2), personal protective equipment (PPE), BSC work practices, decontamination, waste segregation, aseptic technique, etc. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); familiarity with SharePoint or similar collaboration platforms is a plus. Strong verbal and written communication skills and strong organizational skills with high attention to detail. Familiarity or exposure to conducting safety walkthroughs/inspections and documenting observations. Experience with laboratory record keeping like managing or reconciling inventories and records (e.g., biological materials, training completion, equipment certifications), or related data entry experience and eagerness to apply it to a laboratory setting. Preferred Qualifications. Coursework or hands-on experience in biosafety, microbiology laboratory techniques, or environmental health and safety. Experience assisting with laboratory inspections, incident reporting, or corrective action tracking. Experience with document control systems and SOP development, including versioning and review cycles. Familiarity with relevant standards and guidance (e.g., CDC/ NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories [BMBL], NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, DOT/ State rules for regulated medical waste). Exposure to or interest in biorisk management systems (e.g., ISO 35001) and quality system concepts. Experience supporting committee-based review processes (e.g., IBC or equivalent), including preparing submissions and maintaining records. Experience with training development tools and data visualization (e.g., PowerPoint, SharePoint, Power BI) to support reporting and communication. Self-motivated, collaborative, and adaptable to evolving research needs and field/laboratory conditions.. Job Application Submission Window. The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

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