Fermentation Research Director
Apply NowCompany: POET LLC
Location: Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Description:
ABOUT POET
At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.
CULTURE IS KING AT POET
We're all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren't just slogans on our walls. It's the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It's the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!
JOB SUMMARY
At POET, our vision is to discover and deliver a robust portfolio of high value process and product innovations that utilize renewable resources as effectively as possible. The Fermentation Research Director provides leadership and vision in identifying new technologies that will drive POET's fermentation performance. This role will inspire research for both incremental and disruptive technologies with the goal of expanding competitive advantage. The role focuses on starch to bioethanol technology, but also investigates potential technologies with non-starch fermentations. The Fermentation Research Director needs to balance competing objectives by supporting bioprocessing facility operations and researching new fermentation innovations.
The Fermentation Research Director will lead a group of Research Scientists daily. Experience developing and guiding team members to their highest potential is as important as dedication to the science.
The Fermentation Research Director will also represent POET with external collaborators. Developing collaborative relationships while focusing on commercialization and project confidentiality is essential.
This role reports to and takes direction from the Senior Vice President of Research.
DURING A TYPICAL DAY
STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
WORK ENVIRONMENT
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member's position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.
BENEFITS
For eligible team members
OTHER PERKS
For eligible team members
POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.
CULTURE IS KING AT POET
We're all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren't just slogans on our walls. It's the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It's the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!
JOB SUMMARY
At POET, our vision is to discover and deliver a robust portfolio of high value process and product innovations that utilize renewable resources as effectively as possible. The Fermentation Research Director provides leadership and vision in identifying new technologies that will drive POET's fermentation performance. This role will inspire research for both incremental and disruptive technologies with the goal of expanding competitive advantage. The role focuses on starch to bioethanol technology, but also investigates potential technologies with non-starch fermentations. The Fermentation Research Director needs to balance competing objectives by supporting bioprocessing facility operations and researching new fermentation innovations.
The Fermentation Research Director will lead a group of Research Scientists daily. Experience developing and guiding team members to their highest potential is as important as dedication to the science.
The Fermentation Research Director will also represent POET with external collaborators. Developing collaborative relationships while focusing on commercialization and project confidentiality is essential.
This role reports to and takes direction from the Senior Vice President of Research.
DURING A TYPICAL DAY
- Ensure team members are researching safely and take an active role in managing safety risk. Assure team members are trained in all aspects of current procedures.
- Establish the bioethanol fermentation research vison and laboratory execution strategies. Uniquely balance support to POET's operating facilities while researching new ideas to enhance POET's fermentation performance.
- Effectively lead the Fermentation Team by recruiting and training team members. Leadership responsibilities also include managing performance and career development to effectively execute departmental strategies and support company objectives.
- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Clearly articulate POET Research's fermentation objectives and strategies to improve competitive advantage.
- Leverage business acumen to make sound judgments when evaluating economics, intellectual property, and legal agreements.
- Play an active role in brainstorming new technology and commercial opportunities across all areas of POET's business.
- Be a key member and participant of the POET Research Leadership Team.
- At POET, we're all on the same team. We all help with responsibilities that may not be specifically listed here.
STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
- Have a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, or engineering. Candidates with direct, extensive experience in the fermentation field will also be considered.
- 10+ years in leading a technical and/or bioprocessing operations team.
- Proficient in measuring and analyzing financial performance and return on innovation.
- Are enthusiastic about research, commercial-scale operations, and creating new value.
- Understands legal requirements of non-disclosure, material transfer, and joint development agreements. Have experience or solid understanding of intellectual property management.
- Are a team player and can also lead cross functional teams to deliver new fermentation technology.
- You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite, JMP: Statistical Software, and PI Vision. You're capable of learning new programs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- This position is largely self-directed and requires understanding of company policy, procedures, and values. Team members will be required to adhere to all safety requirements in all work environments. This position operates in an office and lab environment.
- In this role, you'll be asked to drive a POET vehicle. A motor vehicle record check will be conducted during the preemployment process and yearly thereafter.
- Occasional travel of up to 25% or more may be required. Specific physical requirements may include:
- Occasionally lifting weights of fifty (50) pound or less.
- Standing at a lab bench or sitting in front of a computer for most of the day.
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member's position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.
BENEFITS
For eligible team members
- Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution
- Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses
- Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions
- 401K with company match
- Paid time off and paid holidays - 40 hours available on day ONE!
- Paid Parental Leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations
OTHER PERKS
For eligible team members
- A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person - mentally, physically, and spiritually
- Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
- Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements
- Discounted home and auto insurance
POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.