Cellulosic Lab Manager

~ For more than two decades, POET has defined the art of biorefining. We have grown from a single, humble refinery in Scotland, South Dakota, to one of the world's largest producers of ethanol and other biorefined products. ~

With products like our Dakota Gold distillers grains, ViolaTM corn oil, and INVIZTM zein, we are using that same innovative spirit to develop natural, renewable food sources and alternatives to petrochemicals. We have an integrated business model that combines technology development with expertise in construction, operations, risk management, and marketing, and our engineers and scientists develop technology and processes through rigorous testing at POET's laboratories and pilot-scale plant.

At POET, we are passionate about reducing our country's dependence on foreign energy, lifting economies by revitalizing global agriculture, and providing a cleaner, affordable alternative to fossil fuels. We believe that our future looks so much brighter above the ground! 

Position Overview 

The Cellulosic Lab Manager (CLM) is responsible for the day to day management of all activities associated with the laboratory operations in Project LIBERTY (PL), POET's revolutionary second generation advanced biofuels production site.

The CLM is a key part of the management team for PL and works to ensure the data needed is provided in an accurate and timely manner. In addition to ensuring streamlined management of the on-site laboratory operations, the CLM is also responsible for overseeing all third party sample submission and data collection.

Additionally, the CLM is the lead for the biological operations of PL, including fermentation, and anaerobic digestion. The CLM also schedules, organizes, and manages all laboratory research activities that take place in PL's on-site laboratory.

Responsibilities 

Essential Functions:  

• Coach and lead team members using a performance management process by providing feedback, career development opportunities and goal setting.
• Delegate responsibility and expect accountability among team members by fostering a spirit of teamwork.
• Engage department team members by providing recognition.
• Manage all aspects of the laboratory.
• Accountable for laboratory team members and lab work that is completed to include sampling procedures and reported results.
• Train team members on the appropriate use of lab equipment and interpreting results.
• Establish testing protocols that ensure tests can be reproduced with accurate results.
• Develop and validate new test methods as needed by operations.
• Ensure all city, county, state and federal regulations are met as they apply to the laboratory.
• Assist in optimizing plant runtime as well as downtime.
• Ensure all Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are up to date and followed.
• Communicate discrepancies with product quality to the appropriate management team.
• Optimize ingredient usage and yield and maximize the efficiency of the fermentation process by reviewing and analyzing data.
• Maximize the efficiency of the anaerobic digestions process by reviewing and analyzing data.
• Work with operations and management on special testing and research requests.
• Maintain and enforce all laboratory safety programs and procedures.
• Ensure quality assurance testing on supporting laboratory equipment is conducted at the required frequency as established by POET SOP.
• Prepare annual budget and monitor cost control for the laboratory department.
• Present any applicable capital request justifications to management.
• Communicate production and laboratory performance results to all vested parties.
• Work enthusiastically and cooperatively with all vested parties in PL, including management, operations, POET Research, and DSM representatives.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Work in an honest and ethical manner; maintain confidentiality on all business related matters.
• Team member is expected to physically report to work on time at their assigned location and is seldom absent.
• Team member can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.
• Maintain a team environment with other departments at all times.
• Champion POET in the community.
• Maintain a high level of customer service and friendly atmosphere.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

Education & Experience Requirements/Competencies: 

To perform the essential functions of this position successfully, an individual should be able to demonstrate and provide the following: 

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biology or related science required.
• 3 years lab experience required.
• Experience in lab operations with a strong background in lab quality control and standard lab practices required.
• Prior laboratory management experience required.
• Prior HPLC experience required.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel and Outlook as well as the ability and willingness to learn new software applications is required.
• The ability to stay enthusiastic, be organized and multi-task and most importantly, the ability to work well in a team. 

Work Environment/Physical Requirements 

• This position is largely self-directed and requires a thorough understanding of company policy, procedures and values.
• Team members will be required to adhere to safety requirements at all times and in all work environments. 
• This position operates in multiple work environments including a plant, laboratory and office environment. In the office, the team member will work on a personal computer. In the plant environment, the team member may be exposed to noise, heat and other elements both inside and outside as well as possible exposure to moving, mechanical parts, dust, high noise levels, internal and external temperature/weather conditions and exposure to chemicals.
• Some travel may be required; driving and/or flying. 

Specific physical requirements include: 

• Occasionally lifting weight up to sixty (60) pounds.
• Climbing several flights of stairs and ladders.
• Opening valves.
• Occasionally bending, twisting and turning while lifting weight of less than fifty (50) pounds.
• Data entry while seated for greater than one (1) hour.
• Walking up to two (2) or more miles per day.
• Pushing brooms, shovels, etc.
• Working at heights, in confined spaces and at temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees.
• Standing for extended periods of time.
• Using hand and power tools.
• Wearing PPE.