Director of Research

POET, the world's largest ethanol producer, has a fabulous opportunity for a

Director of Research to join our team!

This is an exceptional leadership opportunity for a Ph.D with 10+ yrs experience. to join the leader in cellulosic ethanol.   The Director of Research will lead POET's research across all areas of focus, while working closely with peers throughout POET to ensure that all processes and technologies can be seamlessly integrated into POET's existing and planned biorefineries. The position will also interact on a frequent basis with numerous managers and members of the executive teams to gain their input into projects and workforce direction.

The Director of Research will provide guidance and recommendations to the Vice President of Science and Technology pertaining to science, technology, business, legal, regulatory, technical and intellectual property strategies for new and emerging technologies applied to the production of ethanol, DDGS and bio-based products.

This position is located at our corporate office in Sioux Falls, SD.  Sioux Falls, SD was ranked #1 for the second year in a row by Forbes.com for Best metro areas for business and careers for 2009!

Responsibilities include:
The Director of Research will be responsible for the following key activities related to process innovation, development and optimization in the conversion of cellulose to ethanol:

• Provide science and technology leadership for POET and develop and lead the company's collaborations in the development of all aspects of research.
• Direct early stage research projects from concept to laboratory feasibility including all related aspects pertaining to understanding the business, legal, regulatory, technical and intellectual property opportunities and challenges.
• Manage company collaborations while fostering exceptional work relationships with all levels of management and all scientific staff with POET Research project management team. Manage stage gate projects per the POET stage gate management process.
• Create and capture value from research and development projects. Develop metrics for determining project success or failure.
• Ensure the integrity of science and technology package handoffs from POET Research to POET Research Center and Commercial Development.
• Develop and coach team members to develop process and systems solutions to enable POET to become the technology leader in cellulosic ethanol research.
• Attend international and national meetings to identify and evaluate new technologies as well as gain an understanding of the status of technology in the industry and provide written reports from all meetings within 30 days.
• Other duties as assigned. View a complete job description at www.poet.com/careers.

What we’re looking for:

• Ph.D. or Master's Degree and equivalent experience and 15+ years experience in chemical engineering, biochemistry, chemistry or microbiology.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with technology identification and prioritization, intellectual property management, project management, strategic planning with particular relevance to the application of biochemical processes to the production of ethanol and other bioproducts.
• 10+ years in a commercial environment with past experience in bringing early stage projects to pilot scale evaluations and successful validation of technology.
• Excellent diplomatic, verbal & written communication and PC skills required. Ability to organize and manage multiple objectives required.

Apply today!

This is a truly exceptional opportunity, with an outstanding compensation package! If this sounds like something you would like to be considered for, visit our website at www.POET.com or click on the following link to go directly to the job posting: www.Appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=429631.

About POET

The largest ethanol producer in the world according to the Renewable Fuels Association, POET is a leader in biorefining through its efficient, vertically integrated approach to production. The 20-year-old company produces more than 1.54 billion gallons of ethanol annually from 26 production facilities nationwide. POET recently started up a pilot-scale cellulosic ethanol plant, which uses corn cobs as feedstock, and will commercialize the process in 2011.

POET is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.