Senior Scientist Enzymes

The Senior Scientist – Biological Processes will lead the management of specific research and development projects focused on novel approaches using fermentation, enzyme processing or other biological processes. The Senior Scientist – Biological Processes will act as the Princical Investigator for projects that he or she may be assigned. As such this position will conduct independent research and development with a small team of scientists and/or engineers with time in the laboratory to be approximately 50+%. The Senior Scientist – Biological Processes will work closely with peers in research and development to ensure that new products or processes can be seamlessly integrated into POET’s existing and planned biorefineries. The position will also interact on a near daily basis with the Director of Business Development, the Director of Engineering, and the Vice President of Technical Service, POET Nutrition to gain their input into projects under the direction of the Director, Research.

This position will provide guidance and recommendations to the Chief Science Officer pertaining to science and technology applicable to the project(s) area as well as knowledge and insight into business, legal, regulatory, technical and intellectual property issues that may impact the project(s). The Senior Scientist – Biological Processes should possess strong scientific and technological understanding of biochemical pathways, enzymology, fermentation (lab scale) and separation and recovery of biomolecules and/or proteins.
The Senior Scientist – Biological Processes will be responsible for the following key activities:

1. Provide scientific and technology leadership for POET in a core are of competency for the company – e.g. microbiology, biochemistry, enzymology, fermentation, separations and recovery.
2. Lead technology identification and early stage evaluation for technical and business feasibility for specific projects.
3. Participate in technology licensing activities from third parties.
4. Participate in university collaborations while fostering exceptional working relationships with university administration, faculty, staff and students
5. Participate in company collaborations while fostering exceptional work relationships with all levels of management and all scientific staff
6. Manage early stage project(s) for inclusion into the stage gate project management process
7. Manage stage gate project(s) per the POET Research stage gate management process.
8. Participate in business, legal, regulatory, technical and intellectual property strategy discussions
9. Establish resource management plans for all projects
10. Establish and maintain a competitive intelligence database in the project areas and provide regular updates to research and development management. 

 Job Requirements: 5+ years post-doctoral experience (or equivalent) in research, research management, research project management, or related fields

Demonstrated ability to perform significant research in the biological sciences, chemistry or biotechnology areas through publications, patents and presentations is required; 5+ years in a commercial environment (highly desirable)

Excellent diplomatic, verbal & written communication and computer skills required. Ability to organize and manage multiple objectives required.


Candidate must have a Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in a scientific or engineering field (specific experience in microbiology, biochemistry, enzymology or chemistry highly desirable). 

Travel Requirements:  Overnight travel to Research Sites, Conferences, Vendors and Partners as needed to successfully execute the Position. 

To learn more about POET please visit http://www.poetenergy.com or https://www.Appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=307213  to fill out an application.