Process Development Associate
- Research and Development
- Full-time
- Emeryville, CA
- 75K - 85K USD a year
Posted on February 1, 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 an experienced Process Development Associate with a background in biotechnology, industrial processing, and sustainability to support laboratory research and operations. As an R&D engineer, you will play a vital role in the development and scale-up of our separations technology platform. Ideal candidates will have 1-3 years of industry experience with membrane separations at bench scale, and ideally in the field.
This role reports to the Associate Director of R&D and works closely with other members of the Hyfé team.
Responsibilities
Develop and optimize separations processes
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
1-3 years of industry experience in technology development at bench, pilot, and ideally commercial scale in bioprocessing, wastewater treatment, oil & gas, or similar
Familiarity with unit operations, including membrane separations; experience with enzymatic digestion, evaporation, in-line analysis, and/or blending
Comfortable executing in a fast-paced startup environment and/or experience working at an early-stage startup (pre-seed through Series B)
Strong project management skills with results-focused execution; highly detail-oriented
Sound judgement when faced with uncertainty and ambiguity
Highly self-motivated and solutions-oriented
Completion of collegiate-level chemical or biological engineering courses with laboratory component
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.