Scientific Application Specialist (Ethanol Fermentation)

Lesaffre Group Openings • Cedar Rapids, IA

11h

About The Position

Elevate the Future with Lesaffre For over 170 years, Lesaffre has been a pioneering force in the world of fermentation, harnessing the power of microorganisms to transform industries from baking to healthcare. As a key global player, we've built a presence in 96 countries, employing 11,000 passionate innovators who share our unwavering commitment to excellence. Driven by our core values of passion, respect, trust, entrepreneurship, and humility, we're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Our 3-billion euro enterprise collaborates with visionary customers, partners, and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bioactives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well-being, and improve plant nutrition. Discover Leaf by Lesaffre Leaf by Lesaffre is a global leader in industrial biotechnology, leveraging the organization’s 170 years of fermentation expertise. As a business unit of Lesaffre, Leaf pushes the boundaries of fermentation to develop innovative, renewable bio-based solutions. Drawing on Lesaffre's worldwide presence and network of fermentation labs, Leaf collaborates with partners to design and implement high-performance, sustainable products and processes. With a team committed to innovation, customer satisfaction, and environmental responsibility, Leaf is a trusted industrial fermentation partner for a more sustainable future. What We Offer The opportunity to represent a passionate organization focused on innovation and sustainability Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits starting on day one, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with employer match 11 paid holidays The ability to leverage your expertise and make a tangible, meaningful impact on the business and our sustainability initiatives Opportunities for continuous growth and development, including the ability to take on new challenges and collaborate across our international business units How You'll Contribute to Our Success The Scientific Application Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient operation of the Green Lab. This person will provide oversight of daily operations, ensuring the successful design, execution, and reporting of experiments that support Leaf's internal and external customer needs. They will also participate in new product development activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field
• 7 or more years of experience in the biotechnology or ethanol industry
• Expertise in the design, execution, and data analysis of fermentation projects, with an advanced understanding of yeast metabolism
• Proficiency in statistical data analysis and data science
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time within North America and Europe

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree preferred
• Understanding of the ethanol industry, market trends, and competitive landscape is desired
• Passion for supporting the development and commercialization of new products and technologies is a plus

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre's safety-first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs
• Collaborates on Leaf projects, prioritizing a people-first culture
• Develops and enforces laboratory safety protocols to ensure regulatory compliance
• Maintains and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed
• Manages the Green Lab operational budget, ensuring cost and resource efficiency
• Implements and monitors quality assurance and control programs to maintain high standards
• Maintains instrument and equipment integrity, including calibrations, maintenance, and repairs
• Provides technical expertise and support to the sales and service teams
• Evaluates emerging equipment and technologies to drive innovation
• Leads the planning and execution of Green Lab expansion as the business grows
• Validates and procures outsourcing with external application partners as needed
• Collaborates with R&D and Industrial Innovation on project tasks
• Serves as a subject matter expert in ethanol fermentation processes and equipment (HPLC, IC, and GCMS)
• Supports the design, execution, and data analysis of fermentation projects
• Collaborates with internal teams and external teams to bring new products and technologies to market
• Represents Leaf in meetings and participates in the development of execution plans
• Provides oversight and decision-making for technical processes and projects
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits starting on day one, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with employer match
• 11 paid holidays
• The ability to leverage your expertise and make a tangible, meaningful impact on the business and our sustainability initiatives
• Opportunities for continuous growth and development, including the ability to take on new challenges and collaborate across our international business units

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level