Coop / Internship - Chemistry / ChemE Research Assistant

Start date: Flexible, Summer 2025 time frame

Company Overview:

Hyfé is on a mission to enable the decarbonization of chemicals, materials, fuels, and food by using food waste to lower the cost of biomanufacturing feedstocks. Biomanufacturing uses microbes as mini factories to convert sugars into the same molecules that would otherwise be produced by carbon-intensive industries like petroleum or animal farming. Currently, the industry relies on expensive, carbon-heavy crop sugars that negatively impact biodiversity, soil health, water quality, and food security. For biomanufacturing to reach viable unit economics and commercialize decarbonization solutions, alternative, cost-effective, low-carbon feedstocks are urgently needed.

Joining Hyfé means becoming part of something extraordinary—it’s more than just a job. We are pioneering tangible solutions that can make the promise of biomanufacturing a reality. And right now might be the most exciting time in our company’s history to join us. We’re building a team of some of the most talented and motivated individuals across the country. Driven by our core values—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.

Role

We are looking for summer semester and/or semester or year-long coops for students pursuing chemical engineering or chemistry degrees. This role will reports to the Associate Director of R&D and will work closely with other members of the Hyfé team in the office/lab, located in San Francisco’s Mission District.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with technical team to plan, prepare, and perform experiments, including buffer preparation and sterilization, lignocellulosic pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, etc.

• Perform scientific 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

• Currently working on collegiate level chemical engineering or chemistry courses with laboratory component

• Rising junior or senior, with preference to those with research lab experience

• Ability to set up a regular schedule of 40 hr/week during standard business hours

• 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 or Aspen plus highly preferred

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.