Biofuels and Bioproducts Have the Potential to Transform the Economic Landscape of Rural America, said Virent CEO

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Madison, Wisconsin – February 15, 2012 – Lee Edwards, Virent President and CEO, testified today about the long term economic growth that will be realized in rural America once Virent’s and other advanced biorefineries’ technologies are deployed at scale. Mr. Edwards testified before the Senate Committee of Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry. The hearing’s theme was Energy and Economic Growth for Rural America, and examined policies that would make investments in jobs and opportunities for farmers and rural businesses through new markets, entrepreneurship, regional strategies and energy innovation. A link to the hearing proceedings can be found here.

Mr. Edwards directed much of his testimony to Virent and the biofuels industry’s role in energy security and economic growth for rural America. “Our country has unmatched agricultural and technological competitive advantages which should be true global differentiators.”

Edwards testified that Virent’s renewable fuels and products have the potential to replace more than 90 percent of the petroleum-based products that make up a barrel of crude, unlike first generation biofuels that focused singly on blending into gasoline or diesel.

“Technologies like Virent’s mean that plentiful, plant derived sugars have the potential to compete with petroleum as a source of energy.Direct replacement, drop-in products generated from biomass, such as chemicals, gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, provide sustainable replacements to petroleum and make energy security and economic growth possible wherever biomass exists,” said Mr. Edwards.

Edwards also discussed how Virent is working toward deploying a first commercial scale plant to produce chemicals and fuels from renewable biomass. “Biorefineries have the potential to transform the economic landscape of rural America – from corn stover in Michigan, Iowa and Nebraska, to switchgrass in Georgia, to woody biomass in places as diverse as Arkansas and Vermont,” said Mr. Edwards.

About Virent, Inc.

Virent is replacing crude oil by creating the chemicals and fuels the world demands using a wide range of naturally-occurring, renewable resources. Its patented technology features catalytic chemistry to convert plant-based materials into a full range of products identical to those made from petroleum, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and chemicals for plastics and fibers. The products are drop-in replacements that enable full utilization of existing logistics infrastructure without blending limitations. The development of Virent’s BioForming® technology platform is supported through strategic partners including Cargill, Coca-Cola, Honda and Shell as well as 120 employees based in Madison, Wisconsin.

The company has received several grants from the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Energy and Agriculture and has been recognized with many honors, including the World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer award and the EPA’s Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award. Please learn more at www.Virent.com.

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Contact

Kelly Morgan
Marketing Manager, Virent, Inc.
Kelly_morgan@virent.com
608-237-8603
3571 Anderson St.
Madison, WI 53704

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Position Summary

The Administrative Coordinator assists executive staff, management and other professionals by performing clerical and administrative duties. Manage schedules, arranging appointments, travel, meetings, conference calls, etc. The administrative Coordinator works for multiple department professionals providing administrative support on a variety of sensitive, complex, and confidential projects.

Essential Technical Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide clerical and administrative support to all executives, managers and other professional areas as assigned.
• Manage company-wide calendars as assigned, coordinates calendars, updates and sends reminders are required
• Data entry in various internal databases used throughout the organization
• Plan and organizes company functions
• Provide back-up support to the Front Desk, Purchasing and Warehouse personnel.
• Perform a variety of accounting support functions, such as compiling, sorting and preparing documents.
• Assist with contract and documentation management
• Provide administrative support to trainers by preparing training materials, scheduling training sessions, and maintaining training records.
• Set up travel arrangements for incoming existing personnel, visitors and candidates
• Order meals and make meal reservations upon request
• Assist with Board of Director’s meeting preparations and other meetings as directed

Education and Experience Requirements

EDUCATION: Associates Degree in related field preferred but not required or equivalent relatable experience
OR
EXPERIENCE: 3-5 years of experience in a fast paced professional environment.
AND
TECHNICAL SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE: Proficiency in Excel, Power Point, Word, and Outlook. Sharepoint experience preferred but not required. Proven ability to practice high level of confidentiality.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
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Virent is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

IT Support Specialist PDF

Position Summary

The Information Technology (IT) Support Specialist provides a single point contact for end users to receive IT support and maintenance in an innovative and fast paced company. The IT Support Specialist will demonstrate the ability to learn and take on new tasks, offer effective communication skills, assume diverse responsibilities, and initiative to grasp new concepts quickly. The ideal candidate will have an associate’s degree in computer science, or a combination of related hands-on or academic experience. Responsibilities will include installing, diagnosing, repairing, maintaining, and upgrading all PC hardware and equipment to ensure optimal workstation performance. The person will also troubleshoot problem areas (in person, by telephone, or via e-mail) in a timely and accurate fashion, and provide end-user assistance where required, as well as support overall IT administration in accordance with company policies and procedures.

Essential Technical Responsibilities and Duties

• Install, configure, test, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot end-user workstations and related hardware and software in order to deliver required desktop service levels.
• Perform onsite analysis, diagnosis, and resolution of complex desktop problems for end users, and recommend and implement corrective solutions, including support for remote users as needed.
• Collaborate with IT Management to ensure efficient operation of the company’s desktop computing environment.
• Where required, administer and resolve issues with associated end-user workstation networking software products.
• Receive and respond to incoming calls and helpdesk e-mails regarding desktop problems.
• Answer to and perform moves, adds, and changes requests as they are submitted by employees.
• Ensure that physical desktop connections are in proper working order.
• Develop, recommend, and implement a methodology to rapidly deploy desktops and laptops from a base image.
• Develop and maintain an inventory of all computing hardware and equipment.
• Accurately document instances of desktop equipment or component failure, repair, installation, and removal.
• If necessary, liaise with third-party support and PC equipment vendors.

Education and Experience Requirements

EDUCATION: Associates degree in computer science or related field. Or

EXPERIENCE: 1-2 years of job related experience in an IT environment. AND

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE:

• Excellent technical knowledge of desktop and laptop hardware, including relocating components as needed.
• Excellent technical knowledge of Microsoft Windows 7, Office 2010, Sharepoint 2007/2010 (end user).
• Hands-on hardware troubleshooting and equipment support experience.
• General working knowledge of networking concepts, Active Directory, operating systems, and standards.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities, with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain composure in a fast-paced environment.
• Cooperative attitude with support-oriented disposition, and proven ability to maintain confidentiality of all aspects of job responsibilities.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Click Here to Submit Online Application

Virent, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Position Summary

An Associate Chemist at Virent has a developed understanding of chemical principles with additional analytical chemistry experience and knowledge. He/she will independently conduct routine analyses and perform unique analyses in consultation with senior personnel utilizing a variety of analytical instrumentation on samples related to the conversion of biomass to fuels and chemicals. She/he will establish productive working relationships within Virent that contribute to meeting group and company objectives. He/she will, in consultation with senior personnel, develop and implement new quality metrics, methods and instrumentation and provide training and assistance to junior personnel. She/he will initiate appropriate documentation of methods, processes and procedures, contribute to or lead analytical team efforts, and contribute to corporate technical project teams.

Essential Technical Responsibilities and Duties

• Appropriately apply general chemical, analytical and quality principles to sample analysis and correctly execute advanced laboratory procedures.
• Can prepare samples for and conduct the majority of standard analyses in the lab and perform non-standard/one- off/special analyses with minimal supervision.
• Responsible for operation, calibration, advanced maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and upkeep of analytical instrumentation as assigned.
• Contribute to set up and implementation of new equipment within the Analysis Lab.
• Accurately collect, record, and review information in spreadsheets, notebooks, and logs, and communicate conclusions to appropriate parties in suitable format.
• Provide instruction and training of analysts on processes and procedures in the Analysis Lab.
• Contribute modification to existing analyses and develop and implement new assays under guidance of senior personnel.
• Work on and complete multiple assignments within agreed upon timeframes and self schedule daily activities.
• Write work instructions, procedures, protocols, and JSA’s with minimal oversight from senior personnel.
• Maintain a detailed notebook of experimental work, prepare presentations, and submit written documentation of results and future plans for review by senior personnel.
• Keep Analysis Lab colleagues/management, Operations, and Research abreast of experimental details and issues.
• Contribute to development of new processes/systems that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Analysis Lab.
• Work with Researchers and Operators by directing them to the appropriate analytical techniques/personnel to achieve successful completion of pilot plant experiments.
• Perform all work in a safe and environmentally conscious manner by following all EHS policies/procedures/programs.
• Work early morning or evening shifts, weekends/holidays as necessary.

Education and Experience Requirements

EDUCATION: Bachelors Degree in Chemistry or advanced degree in other science.

AND

EXPERIENCE: 5 years of experience with similar job responsibilities.

AND

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE: Mastery of basic chemistry laboratory procedures. Proficiency in a subset of analytical methods/instrumentation. Worked independently to perform analyses and initiated adaptations to standard lab methods and procedures. Contributed to novel approaches to complex analyses in collaboration with senior personnel. Capable of effective oral and written communication. Proficiency with Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Click Here to Submit Online Application

Virent Energy Systems in an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Position Summary

An Associate Chemical Technician is an entry level position that provides senior personnel at Virent with assistance in performing analyses in support of research and development efforts in biomass conversion into fuels and chemicals. The Associate Chemical Technician will exhibit a rudimentary understanding of chemical principles and basic laboratory skills. Using established procedures he/she will learn to independently operate instrumentation and track quality control parameters. She/he will reduce data and report results into the lab’s data system. The Associate Technician will participate on analytical project teams and establish good working relationships with colleagues in the Analysis lab and in Operations.

Essential Technical Responsibilities and Duties

• Properly perform weighings, volumetric measurements and other basic laboratory procedures.
• Accurately prepare samples for analysis following written work instructions or oral instructions.
• Independently conduct multiple routine chemical analyses daily using written or oral work instructions.
• Operate analytical equipment following written work instructions or under general supervision of senior personnel.
• Accurately collect and record data/results in spreadsheets, notebooks, logbooks or elsewhere as directed by supervision.
• Utilize computer software and spreadsheets to perform basic chemical calculations.
• Assist senior personnel with basic equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Consult with senior chemists on non-complex projects to learn through experience.
• Follow through on assigned tasks to completion, within agreed upon timeframes and schedule one’s own daily activities in collaboration with senior personnel.
• As assigned by supervision, contribute to work instructions, participate in protocols and other method development activities.
• Understand and work within the systems of the Analysis Lab.
• Communicate daily operational details and issues to supervision.
• Participate in Analysis Lab housekeeping activities and other daily operations.
• Complete all assigned training within the agreed upon timeline.
• Perform all work in a safe and environmental conscious manner by following all EHS policies/procedures/programs.
• Work early morning or evening shifts, weekends/holidays as scheduled.

Education and Experience Requirements

EDUCATION: Minimum: Two-year associate’s degree in science and technology with minimum of 3 courses in chemistry, B.S. in Science preferred.

OR

EXPERIENCE: Up to three years of work experience in a laboratory environment (may be in an academic setting).

AND

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE: Basic knowledge of laboratory techniques, chemical principles, the workings of standard instrumentation and analyses. Experience with GC, HPLC, AA/ ICP, IR and quantitative wet chemistry useful. Capable of effective oral and written communication. Ability to learn and follow verbal instructions and written procedures with minimal oversight. Basic working knowledge of Microsoft.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Click Here to Submit Online Application

Virent Energy Systems in an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.