Research Intern

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 years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and leader in biobased products in the world. Beyond our world-class culture, POET team members enjoy competitive pay and perks including;

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements 
• Safety and cold weather gear, and more!

The POET Never Satisfied Internship openings are for Summer 2025. We post Internships in September with the intent to have interns selected by January 1st each year.

JOB SUMMARY

The Research Intern will work on various laboratory research and/or pilot scale projects to drive improvement in POET’s technology.  The intern will have the responsibility to execute all aspects of projects resulting in commercial value for POET.  Communication and cooperation with POET team members is critical to insure project success.  The Research Intern may interface with engineers, scientists, bioprocessing plant operators and plant maintenance crews.

DURING A TYPICAL DAY (IF THERE IS ONE)…

• Perform appropriate benchtop, small scale, pilot, plant, or analytical tests and trials as required.
• Work with POET Research team members to develop research plans to accomplish a commercial objective.
• Complete research plans as assigned and assist with on-site commissioning and start-up activities as needed.
• Perform data analysis, interpretation and documentation.
• Effectively communicate all issues, data, results, and accomplishments in written and verbal formats.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.
• At POET, we’re all on the same team. We all help out with responsibilities that may not be specifically listed here.  

STRENGTHS OF A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Entering junior level or higher college courses majoring in Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or related curriculum.
• Experience working with lab equipment including spectrophotometers and general chemical assay procedures.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communications skills as well as the ability to adapt to change.
• You know the basics of Microsoft Office Suite. You’re capable of learning new programs.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

At POET 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• 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 our code.
• 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 is exposed to work in multiple environments, including plant, laboratory, as well as an office environment.  In the lab, the team member will work with a range of analytical instrumentation, multiple chemical reagents, and perform various wet chemistry tests. The team member may be exposed to high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, dusty conditions, internal and external temperature/weather conditions, and chemicals. Depending on the location and nature of the project(s), this position may travel 20% or more at times.
• Specific physical requirements may include:
  • Occasionally bending, twisting, and turning while lifting weights of less than fifty (50) pounds.
  • Occasional lifting of weights greater than fifty (50) pounds.
  • Data entry while seated for greater than one (1) hour.
  • Standing for extended periods of time.
  • Performing mechanical repair/maintenance of equipment.
  • Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).