Applied Research Intern - Water

About the role#

The Applied Research Intern will join the Office of Research, Innovation & Technology (ORIT) to support pilot-scale research focused on next-generation water and wastewater treatment technologies. This role centers on advancing innovation in PFAS treatment and biological nutrient removal (BNR). You will work closely with principal investigators and system designers to gain hands-on experience in applied research, experimental design, and process engineering within a consulting environment.

What you'll do#

• Collaborate with the research team to support daily experimental and operational tasks, including research planning and documentation.
• Work onsite daily at two pilot facilities, including a drinking water treatment plant and a wastewater treatment site.
• Troubleshoot mechanical systems and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct sampling and analytical testing independently using established methods.
• Review and synthesize industry literature to support research conclusions.
• Organize, analyze, and visualize data to support technical findings and project decision-making.

What you'll need#

• Current enrollment in a B.S. or higher degree program in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Prior laboratory experience, including wet chemistry techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work in a field environment that may be noisy or physically demanding.

Location & details#

• Location: Denver, Colorado
• Term: Fall 2026
• Modality: On-site
• Position type: Full-time, paid internship