Co-op - Research & Development

Hyfé • San Francisco, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for co-op students pursuing chemical engineering or chemistry degrees interested in joining an exciting early-stage startup to scale the refinery of the future. This role will report to the Senior Scientist & Lab Manager and work closely with other members of the Hyfé team. The ideal candidate embodies our core values—unity, courage, dependability, momentum, and joy—values that are essential to tackling one of the greatest challenges of our time. This role reports to Hyfé’s Senior Scientist and Lab Manager working closely with the R&D Team.

Every year, approximately one billion tons of nutrient-rich fruit and vegetable waste is discarded or under-utilized across global food systems. For processors, getting rid of this waste is costly and emissions-intensive, creating significant environmental impact with little to no economic return. Yet these waste streams contain valuable compounds that could transform the economics of businesses across the food system and help catalyze the production of sustainable chemicals and materials. Hyfé exists to change that.

Hyfé transforms food waste into high-value ingredients using a label-friendly, thermochemical refining process. Our products range from bioactives to fibers, and are being commercialized to make the food we eat healthier for people and the planet. Our team of scientists and engineers brings decades of expertise from the oil refining and chemical industries, specializing in scaling industrial processes and pioneering sustainable solutions.

At Hyfé, you’ll have the opportunity to build at the earliest stages of a mission-driven company—working alongside a world-class team, shaping real products, and helping define how the next generation of ingredients are made.

Our mission is simple: To transform carbon we waste into carbon we need.

Requirements

• Currently working on collegiate level chemical engineering or chemistry courses with laboratory component.
• Capable of safely lifting and carrying laboratory materials and equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to maintain a regular full-time schedule of 40 hours per week during standard business hours.
• Innovative mindset with a can-do attitude and passion for Hyfé’s vision.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and time management skills.
• Authorization to work in the US (unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with technical team to plan, prepare, and perform experiments.
• Assist with pilot operations.
• 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.
• Complete tasks within agreed timelines, tracking and communicating progress.
• Maintain inventory of chemicals and supplies, and work with vendors as needed
• Record, compile and analyze experimental data and present findings to the R&D team.
• Assist with other areas of lab management as needed.
• Perform duties in keeping with Hyfé’s values, policies and EHS protocols.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree