Research and Development Co-Op

Feed Energy Company; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Feed Energy Company is seeking a Research Assistant/Lab co-op to actively investigate chemistry and engineering topics across a broad range of disciplines. The role focuses on chemical processing engineering, with allied fields such as biosystems, mechanical and materials engineering, and chemistry involved in development and scaling from lab to pilot to full production.

You will perform experiments, collect data, prepare reports, and support engineers in designing processes and improving

Qualifications

• Junior or senior in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering or Biology.
• Knowledge in organic chemistry and wet chemistry is preferred.
• Experience with analytical equipment such as Gas and/or liquid Chromatographs and spectrophotometric instruments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform research experiments and use analytical thinking for short and long term analysis.
• Help design and scale up lab research and process improvements into project-scale models.
• Prepare technical reports or documentation, deliver presentations, and recommend further study based on data.
• Adhere to all company protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Collect scientific data and analyze using mathematical or statistical methods as needed.
• Analyze test results in relation to design specifications and adjust equipment to meet specs.
• Develop, improve, and customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, and analytical methods.
• Operate laboratory equipment to perform tests as needed.
• Set up tests of complete units and components to investigate improvements in equipment performance.
• Assist in scaling from project to full-scale models.
• Interpret drawings, diagrams, or formulas and help engineers test prototypes or new processes.
• Follow safety procedures when handling chemicals and hazardous substances.
• Maintain an orderly, safe work environment.
• Provide technical support to chemists and engineers.
• Train operations to understand new processes and equipment.

Skills

Critical thinking

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Documentation

Presentations

Safety procedures

Education

Chemistry

Chemical Engineering

Biological Systems Engineering

Biology

Tools

Gas Chromatographs

Liquid Chromatographs

Spectrophotometers

Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Description

Research Assistant/Lab co-ops will get the opportunity to actively investigate subjects in a vast range of chemistry and engineering disciplines.

Predominately, we focus around chemical processing engineering but other fields, such as biosystems, mechanical and materials engineering along with chemistry and other lab research disciplines are used routinely. We truly cover every aspect of process development; from conception through research and development and onto engineering scale‑up (from lab to pilot to full/commercial) and engineering implementation.

This is combined with all other requirements in engineering analysis, including product viability and justification from an economic standpoint, prediction in total process variability and design considerations therein, etc.

Requirements

About Feed Energy

Feed Energy works at the intersection of feed, fuel, and agriculture, building a nearly four-decade legacy of stewardship in various industries. We support how America nourishes its people and powers its economy. Our team comprises growth-minded individuals dedicated to transforming global practices in feeding and fueling, driving innovation across the industries we serve. As we enter a new phase of growth, powered by innovation in circular economies and the low-carbon economy, we’re building the financial foundation for what’s next.

What You Will Do:

• Ability to perform research experiments and utilize critical thinking skills for short and long term analysis
• Helps designing and builds scale up of lab research and process improvement into project scale models.
• Prepares technical reports or related documentation, delivers presentations and recommends further study or action based on research data.
• Adheres to all Company protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Collects scientific research data or investigative findings and analyzes using mathematical or statistical methods as needed.
• Analyzes test results in relation to design or rated specifications and test objectives, and modify or adjust equipment to meet specifications.
• Develops, improves, and customizes products, equipment, formulas, processes, and analytical methods.
• Operates laboratory equipment to perform tests as needed.
• Sets up and conducts tests of complete units and components under operational conditions to investigate proposals for improving equipment performance.
• Assists in implementation from project scale models to full scale models.
• Interprets engineering drawings, schematic diagrams, or formulas and assists engineers in developing, building, or testing prototypes or new products, processes, or procedures.
• Practices proper safety procedures in dealing with chemicals, reagents, and other potentially hazardous substances.
• Responsible for maintaining an orderly, clean, and safe work environment.
• Provides technical support or assistance to chemists and engineers.
• Acts as a resource to operations and trains operations to ensure understanding of new processes, procedures, equipment, etc.
• Contributes to a positive work environment.
• Communicates with project supervisors or other team members to assess progress and discuss needed changes.

What You Need:

• Junior or senior in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering or Biology
• Knowledge in organic chemistry and wet chemistry is preferred
• Experience with analytical equipment such as Gas and/or liquid Chromatographs and spectrophotometric instruments is preferred
• Working knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Excel