Hyfé Foods

Research Assistant Intern / Co-op

  • Research and Development
  • Internship
  • Emeryville, CA
  • 10 - 24 USD an hour

Posted on January 9, 2024

About Hyfé:

 

Biomanufacturing offers a path to decarbonize key industrial sectors such as foods, fuels, materials, and chemicals, and is forecasted to mitigate at least 3 GT of carbon emissions annually by 2030. However, it’s difficult for the sector to compete with incumbent processes that depend on fossil resources, animal agriculture, and deforestation. Cost and supply of sugar feedstocks used to power bioprocesses is a major obstacle towards achieving price parity and the glucose needs of the bioeconomy are forecasted to outpace supply over the next 10-20 years. It is critical for the feedstocks that will power that growth to come from underutilized waste carbon streams that are cost effective, non-competitive with food, and avoid disruption of biodiversity and agricultural systems. 

 

Hyfé creates the future feedstocks of biomanufacturing from nutrients lost in trillions of gallons of food processing wastewater, an abundant and untapped source of carbon. Our technology enables water reuse and lowers the cost of wastewater and water management at food manufacturing facilities while enabling abundant and underutilized waste streams to fuel the growth of the bioeconomy. Hyfé was founded by ExxonMobil and LanzaTech engineers in 2021 and we are backed by investors like Synthesis Capital, The Engine, Refactor Capital, Supply Change Capital, and Chain Reaction Innovations, the entrepreneurship program at Argonne National Laboratory supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.

 

We are building a solution that addresses a fundamental bottleneck for the bioeconomy just as it’s reaching an inflection point. This historic moment is as pivotal as the invention of the steam engine, the age of science and mass production, and the rise of digital technology. We are building a team of exceptional people that are obsessed enabling the success of the bioeconomy and striving to leave a legacy that will protect people and the planet.

 

Role

 

We are looking for a part time (10-25 hr/week) research assistant or intern with an interest in biotechnology, industrial processing, and sustainability to support laboratory research and operations. This role could be a great fit for an undergraduate or graduate student or a scientist/technician looking for part-time work or a return to work after a career break.

 

This role reports to the Senior Process Development Engineer and works closely with other members of the Hyfé team. Compensation is $19-25/hour depending on experience. We have a good deal of flexibility with this position and would happily consider candidates that are able to work through the end of the calendar or academic year or candidates who would potentially be interested in staying on longer.

 

Responsibilities

 

·       Collaborate with technical team to plan, prepare, and perform experiments, including buffer preparation and sterilization, Ultra-, Nano- and Reverse Osmosis tangential flow filtrations, enzymatic digestions, data collection, and experimental documentation.

·       Perform scientific and business internet research, as needed

·       Follow all safety practices, including wearing proper PPE, completing safety trainings, and contributing to the ongoing development of safety systems and protocols

·       Manage routine lab maintenance and upkeep, including inventory, cleaning, and organization

·       Chip in to tackle miscellaneous tasks, like office organizational task, setting up computers and equipment, and ordering/procuring supplies

·       Complete tasks within agreed timelines, tracking and communicating progress

 

Requirements

 

·       Completion of collegiate level chemical or biological engineering courses with laboratory component

·       Ability to set up a regular schedule of 10-25 hr/week during standard business hours

·       Personal laptop or tablet to use for emailing, internet access, and data entry

·       Innovative mindset with a can-do attitude and passion for Hyfé’s vision

·       Ability to navigate challenges independently, leveraging team for feedback when appropriate

·       Strong interpersonal, communication, and time management skills

·       Authorization to work in the US (unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position)

·       Familiarity with SuperPro Designer is a plus

 

 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

 

Hyfé Foods is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.