Chemical Engineering Research Assistant (Contract to Hire)

Start date: Flexible, ~June 2025 ideal

Company Overview:

Hyfé transforms plant waste into chemical alternatives to petroleum. Petrochemicals account for 7% of global emissions and drive over a third of global oil demand, yet the industry remains one of the most overlooked contributors to climate change. 

At the same time, over four billion tons of plant biomass waste are generated globally each year—containing more than enough carbon to replace petroleum-derived chemicals entirely. 

Hyfé addresses this challenge with a novel biorefining approach that uses food-safe solvents and catalysis to produce low-cost platform chemicals. Unlike traditional biorefineries, Hyfé leverages food processing waste, which are rich in high-value specialty chemicals, enabling platform chemicals to be competitively priced and biorefineries profitable at any scale.

This model also unlocks a powerful new revenue stream for food manufacturers—transforming what was once costly waste into valuable ingredients. By turning underutilized byproducts into marketable outputs, Hyfé boosts economic resilience in the food industry and helps manufacturers maximize profit from every crop.

Backed by a leadership team with decades of experience in oil refining, specializing in scaling industrial processes and pioneering sustainable solutions, Hyfé is uniquely positioned to commercialize refining of the future. By transforming abundant and underutilized plant materials into high-value resources, we not only reduce emissions but also pave the way for decarbonizing industries heavily reliant on fossil-based resources.

Role

Hyfé is seeking recent graduates with degrees in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry for a contract-to-hire role on our technical team.

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced startup environment focused on biorefining technology. The role reports directly to the VP of Engineering and Process Technology and involves close collaboration with cross-functional members of the Hyfé team.

This is a contract-to-hire position. Candidates will be evaluated during the initial 60 days, after which they may be extended a full-time offer based on performance and team fit.

Responsibilities

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

• Perform scientific research online, 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry completed or expected by Summer 2025

• 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 U.S. (we are 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.