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Summer Lab Intern Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

R&D Intern (Catholyte)

Thornton, CO · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

Safe operation of various lab equipment including furnaces, glove boxes, and battery testers ... up to 30 hours per week during the Summer. This is an onsite role. * Experience with ...

Summer Lab Intern information

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Summer Lab Intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Summer Lab Intern, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on projects that support ongoing research within the lab. Your daily tasks may include preparing samples, conducting experiments under supervision, collecting and analyzing data, and assisting with equipment maintenance. Collaboration is key, as you’ll often work closely with graduate students, technicians, and principal investigators who will guide your learning and help you develop essential lab skills. Interns are usually encouraged to ask questions, contribute to team meetings, and may have opportunities to present their findings. This role offers a great foundation for understanding real-world research environments and can open doors for future academic or professional pursuits in science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Lab Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Lab Intern, you generally need foundational knowledge in science or engineering, strong analytical skills, and enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and software tools like Excel or data analysis platforms is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and eagerness to learn are key soft skills that help interns stand out. These skills and qualities ensure safe, accurate experimentation, effective teamwork, and meaningful contributions to ongoing research projects.

What are Summer Lab Interns?

Summer Lab Interns are typically students or recent graduates who work temporarily in a laboratory setting during the summer months. They assist with scientific research, experiments, and data collection under the guidance of experienced lab staff. These internships provide hands-on experience and exposure to laboratory techniques, often helping interns decide on future career paths in science. Responsibilities can vary depending on the lab, but usually include maintaining equipment, recording observations, and supporting ongoing research projects.

What is the difference between Summer Lab Intern vs Summer Research Assistant?

AspectSummer Lab InternSummer Research Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically undergraduate student, some labs prefer coursework in relevant science fieldsUsually undergraduate or graduate students with some research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, assisting with experiments and data collectionResearch projects, often more independent, supporting senior researchers
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesUniversities, research labs, government agencies

The Summer Lab Intern role generally targets undergraduate students gaining initial research experience, focusing on assisting with lab tasks. The Summer Research Assistant position often involves more independent work and is suitable for students with some prior research background. Both roles are valuable for building research skills but differ in responsibilities and experience level.

What are the most commonly searched types of Summer Lab jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Summer Lab jobs in Colorado are:
Powerhouse Summer Research Intern

Powerhouse Summer Research Intern

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


Colorado State University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

436th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary

The Energy Institute is operated under the Office of the Vice President of Research (OVPR) at Colorado State University (CSU). The Institute's mission is to deliver real-world energy and carbon solutions that address society's most pressing global challenges and achieves that mission by fostering collaboration among energy faculty and researchers across all eight colleges. The Institute conducts research, education, commercialization, and outreach activities and provides faculty, researchers, and industry partners with access to one of the nation's largest university-based energy research facilities to achieve these objectives. The Institute operates two facilities; the Powerhouse Energy Campus, and METEC, both provide safe, secure, and sophisticated space for university investigators and industry partners to collaboratively develop clean energy solutions.

https://energy.colostate.edu/

The Powerhouse Summer Research Intern role resides in the Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory at the Powerhouse Energy Campus, which is an industrial working environment We are seeking a summer research intern to join our group for summer session until classes begin in the fall. As a Powerhouse intern, you will work closely with senior staff members to support the setup, testing, and cleanup of our engines test facility and with our emissions sensing groups for the setup and testing of AI driven robot sample collecting hardware. This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic engineering environment. Collaborate with senior staff to prepare the engines test equipment and/or robot sensing equipment for experiments and data collection. Participate in engine performance tests, data acquisition, and analysis. Ensure the lab spaces are organized, clean, and ready for subsequent experiments. Record test results, observations, and any issues encountered during testing. Learn and follow safety protocols and guidelines while working in the lab.

This is a part-time seasonal position that will be integral to facilitating research and departmental activities at the Powerhouse and METEC facilities. This position is in person.

Full Consideration Date for this position is July 10

Essential Job Duties
  • Assist with Setup: Collaborate with senior staff to prepare the test facility for experiments and data collection.

  • Conduct Tests: Participate in engine performance tests, robot emissions test, data acquisition, and analysis.

  • Cleanup and Maintenance: Ensure the lab spaces are organized, clean, and ready for subsequent experiments.

  • Documentation: Record test results, observations, and any issues encountered during testing.

  • Safety Compliance: Follow safety protocols and guidelines while working in the labs.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), valid driver's license.

Colorado State University may conduct background checks on final candidates.

Benefit Information: Employee Benefit information can be found on HR's Website:https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/.

Supervision

N/A

Minimum Qualifications
  • Current enrollment in a 4 yr STEM related degree program.

  • Ability to commit to 30 hours per week for the duration employment.

  • Demonstrated interest and experience in working with engines, mechanical systems, and performance testing.

  • Experience with AI driven robotics, mechanical systems, and improving performance utilizing AI tools

  • Basic knowledge of data acquisition, tools, or instrumentation.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience with engines, automotive systems, or mechanical testing. Prior experience with robotic systems - setup and deployment

  • Relevant coursework related to these tasks.

  • Familiarity with lab safety procedures.

  • Ability to follow instructions precisely and maintain accurate records.

Salary Range$18.00-$20.00Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

  • Review our detailed benefits information here.

  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations,CSUconducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


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About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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