Process Development Engineering Intern

San Francisco, CA - In-person, full time summer internship with option to extend to academic year

About Hyfé

Hyfé is on a mission to enable the decarbonization of chemicals, materials, fuels and foods by using food waste to lower the cost of biomanufacturing feedstocks. Biomanufacturing uses microbes as mini factories to convert sugar into the same molecules that would otherwise come from carbon-intensive industries like petroleum or animal farming. Currently, the industry relies on carbon intensive and expensive crop sugars which have adverse impacts on biodiversity, soil health, water quality, and food security.  Alternative, cost-effective, low-carbon feedstocks are urgently required for biomanufacturing to reach viable unit economics and commercialize decarbonization solutions.

Joining Hyfé is a chance to be part of something extraordinary – it’s not just a job. We are pioneering a tangible solution that can make the promise of biomanufacturing a reality. And right now might be the most exciting moment in the company’s history to join. We are assembling a team of some of the most talented and motivated individuals across the country. Driven by our core values of being fired up, fast, exceptional, and clear, our team is determined to deliver on our mission to help biomanufacturing transform how we make things for the better.

Hyfé was founded by ExxonMobil and LanzaTech engineers in 2021 and we’re backed by investors including 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.

Role

We are looking for interns or coop’s with an interest in chemical engineering, 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.

Our ideal hire must be comfortable working in ambiguous and fast paced environments. They must demonstrate an exceptional ability to execute and take ownership over results, even if not directly related to the trade. We are a small team, so we do what needs to get done despite title. They must be able to effectively manage time and feel comfortable with accountability. This person must be able to readily pivot to new priorities on short notice and not be afraid to push for clarity when tasks/workstreams are not defined. Lastly, this person must be passionate about addressing climate change through biomanufacturing, excited about building a company from the ground up, and adept at thinking and communicating directly in a team. This position reports to our Associate Director of Process Development and works out of our Bay Area headquarters with some travel to partner labs.

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, chemical treatment of biomasses, 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, packing and moving lab to new lab, and ordering/procuring supplies

• Complete tasks within agreed timelines, tracking and communicating progress

• Potentially travel out of state to external labs for experiments

Requirements

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

• Ability to set up a regular schedule of 20-40 hrs/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, aspen, or equivalent modeling software is a plus

Equal Employment Opportunity: Hyfé 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.