Research Intern - Summer 2027

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 & RESPONSIBILITIES

At POET Research Inc., 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 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 ensure project success.  The Research Intern may interface with engineers, scientists, bioprocessing plant operators and plant maintenance crews.

This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD. Responsibilities include:

• Performing 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.

• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

The POET Never Satisfied Internship openings are for Summer 2027. We post Internships in early September with the intention of having interns selected by November 1st.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Entering junior level or higher college courses majoring in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Engineering, or related curriculum.

• Experience working with lab equipment including spectrophotometers and general chemical assay procedures.

• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.

• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• High level of personal integrity

• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization

• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills

• Ability to embrace and promote change

• Innovative mindset

• Ability to think objectively

• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty

• Ability to work in a team environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:

  • 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).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Up to 20% travel may be required for this position depending on location and nature of projects assigned. At times, overnight travel may be required.

• 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.

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.

PERKS

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.