Scientist / Senior Scientist
Scientist / Senior Scientist
San Francisco, CA - In-person, full time
ABOUT HYFE:
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 green chemistry 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.
Backed by a leadership team with deep expertise in oil refining, novel technology scale-up, and capital projects, Hyfé is uniquely positioned to commercialize refining of the future. By converting underutilized plant waste into valuable resources, we not only reduce emissions but also pave the way for decarbonizing industries heavily reliant on fossil-based resources.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
We are looking for a Scientist to join our growing R&D team and support the development of our core technology by conducting research, developing processes, and characterizing biomass and its derivatives. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about science, sustainability, and innovation to make an impact.
This is a hands-on role, requiring you to work closely with our technical team to design, operate, and improve processes, develop standard operating procedures, and ensure the seamless execution of customer pilot contracts. You will work on tight deadlines, analyze data, and report results that directly influence the commercialization of our technology.
We seek a passionate individual dedicated to addressing climate change, who recognizes capitalism's potential to drive meaningful and sustainable solutions. The ideal candidate embodies our core values—unity, courage, momentum, dependability, and joy—values that are essential to tackling one of the greatest challenges of our time.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead the design, planning, and execution of lab experiments to optimize the conversion of food processing waste into chemicals.
Develop and execute protocols to characterize biomass and intermediates characterization, including analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, and GPC.
Analyze and interpret experimental data, write technical reports, and present findings internally.
Document experiments, results, and findings while establishing systems for data management and process standardization.
Work cross-functionally with engineering and commercial teams to ensure seamless integration of research outcomes into scale-up and pilot plant operations.
Identify novel process improvements or proprietary methodologies and actively contribute to the development of intellectual property (IP), including drafting invention disclosures and collaborating on patent filings.
Collaborate on grant applications by providing technical input, experimental data, and process descriptions to support funding efforts.
Collaborate with partner labs and universities to advance research and technology development.
Communicate key findings, challenges, and recommendations to leadership and other stakeholders.
Ensure safe and organized lab operations, including proper handling of chemicals, waste disposal, and compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
REQUIREMENTS:
Must have qualifications:
Ph.D. (strongly preferred) or M.Sc. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Hands-on experience with biomass processing techniques and characterization methods
Proven ability to troubleshoot, fix, and optimize equipment in a hands-on environment.
Strong time management, highly autonomous, self-stewarding, and solutions-oriented
Effective time management skills, collaboration skills, and high sense of urgency
Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment
Ability to travel to partner labs
Highly desired qualifications:
Experience in startups or dynamic, high-growth environments.
Familiarity with the development of scalable processes in the biorefining industry.
Experience with summative mass closure protocols, carbohydrate/lignin profiling and compositional analysis of biomass intermediates using HPLC and LC-MS.
Proven track record of developing intellectual property.
Strong technical writing skills, with the ability to draft clear, compelling, and scientifically accurate grant narratives.
Exposure to process modeling, techno-economic modeling or life-cycle assessments
BENEFITS:
Competitive annual salary, commensurate with experience
Generous vacation policy, including 15 days of PTO, paid holidays, office closure on the last week of the year
401(k) plan
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Short-term disability coverage
In-office snacks & drinks
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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.