J-1 Engineering Internship @ Berkeley Lab
World-Class Research in Berkeley: Your Opportunity at LBNL
If you want to truly make an impact in science, there is no way around Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). As part of the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), you will work on one of the most pressing questions of our time: How do we efficiently transform biomass into sustainable fuels? Here, you aren’t just an observer—you help solve the chemical challenges of the future, right above the UC Berkeley campus overlooking the San Francisco Bay.
The Host Organization
Berkeley Lab (LBNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy facility managed by the University of California. The JBEI center specializes in biomass deconstruction, utilizing state-of-the-art processes like ionic liquids and enzymes. For students in Chemical Engineering, BioTech, or Mechanical Engineering, this is the chance to be part of an institution that has produced 16 Nobel Prize winners.
Your Role & Research Environment
During your 6- to 12-month stay, you will be fully integrated into the laboratory processes and analytical workflows:
- Lab Screening: You will test various solvents for biomass decomposition and optimize the separation of valuable intermediates.
- Process Innovation: You will support the operation of the JBEI pipeline (from raw material to fuel) and utilize enzymes to recover fermentable sugars.
- System Analysis: Depending on your focus, you will use data analysis or robotics methods to automate chemical processes and increase efficiency.
- Interdisciplinary Work: You will work in teams of chemists, engineers, and biotechnologists on solutions designed for industrial market readiness.
- Housing: While housing is not directly provided by the Lab, participants have exclusive access to the Berkeley Lab Guest House located right on-site. The high stipend of approx. $5,000 provides an excellent financial foundation for life in the Bay Area.
Career Impact
Having Lawrence Berkeley National Lab on your resume is a major professional milestone. It proves you have worked on state-of-the-art (SOTA) technologies with global relevance. Whether you move on to industry or top-tier academic research, this reference is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence.
The J-1 Visa Process
To ensure you can focus entirely on your research, all administrative requirements are handled via the VisaNerd infrastructure. The system manages the legal vetting of the host and handles the issuance of your DS-2019 documents for your stay in California.
Infrastructure Guarantee
This placement is exclusively tied to the VisaNerd infrastructure. The legal vetting as well as the issuance of the DS-2019 form are handled entirely via the certified VisaNerd system.
Exact Address: 1 Cyclotron Rd, 94720
Frequently Asked Questions regarding this position
The host looks for a broad spectrum: Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, BioTech, or Mechanical Engineering. Profiles that combine technical expertise with data science or robotics are particularly sought after.
Yes. While Berkeley and the Bay Area are expensive, $5,000 is well above the typical J-1 average. This allows you to comfortably cover rent and local life while building a valuable professional network.
Since you will be working on the front lines of actual research projects, the chance is very high for those with strong dedication. You will be part of a team that regularly publishes groundbreaking results in the field of bioenergy.
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