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KL Energy (KLE) is a cutting-edge leader in cellulosic ethanol technology, receiving the 2008 Achievement Award in Cellulose Ethanol from Biofuels Digest. KLE is a technology development company with offices in Rapid City, SD and Brazil, and a working demonstration plant in Upton, WY that converts biomass to sugars and ethanol.
Job/Research Description
Collaborate with KLE staff and academic partners to develop new biofuels processes and equipment. Conduct pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis experiments at the bench, pilot, and commercial scale. Thoroughly analyze and communicate information. Be a thought leader within the company on technology development Be a thought leader for pretreatment technology development.
Technical Duties and Responsibilities
- Design and conduct experiments.Using experience, published literature, and experimental design software, prepare thoughtful experiment designs. Consider resource limitations and how the experiments fit into the overall research vision. Be able to conduct experiments, work with technicians, and design your own equipment. Creativity is essential.
- Analyze data. Work with the analytical team to produce accurate data, then interpret the results, plan new experiments, and translate findings into equipment designs.
- Communication. Provide excellent communication in both written and verbal settings. With clarity and conciseness, communicate research ideas and results to other groups, including project managers, researchers, plant operators, and the leadership team. Also, interact with the industry by attending and occasionally presenting at national meetings and conferences.
- Patents. Develop a deep understanding of the literature in your research area, including journals and patents. Prepare and submit patent applications.
Minimum Qualifications
- MS in chemical engineering or chemistry (or BS + 3 years relevant research experience)
- Research and process development experience
- Experience with biomass pretreatment / digestion
- Fluent speaker and writer in English
Preferred Qualifications
- MS or PHD in chemical engineering or chemistry
- 3+ years of industrial research experience
- Operations experience
- Published research literature in biomass conversion, especially pretreatment
- Fluent speaker and writer in a second language
Required Skills
- Must be a self-starter, organized, and able to work well within all levels of a fast-paced organization
- Excellent communicator, both in speaking and writing
- Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills
- Hard worker
- Strong leader
- Innovator
Travel / Location
- Based in Rapid City, SD
- Travel up to 25%, primarily to the demonstration plant in Upton, WY
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