Scientist / Senior Scientist

Scientist / Senior Scientist

San Francisco, CA - In-person, full time

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are looking for a Scientist / Senior 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 in the bioeconomy.

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 are seeking someone who is deeply committed to addressing climate change and believes that capitalism can drive meaningful, sustainable solutions. You will join a team driven by a mission to decarbonize materials and chemicals, tackling one of the most significant challenges of our time.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design, planning, and execution of lab experiments to optimize the conversion of food processing waste into biomaterials.

• 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 and to the commercial partners.

• Document experiments, results, and findings while establishing systems for data management and process standardization.

• Work cross-functionally with the 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. (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

• Appetite for 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 for the bioeconomy or biorefining industries.

• 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

• 401(k) plan

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Short-term & long-term disability coverage

• In-office snacks & drinks

ABOUT HYFE:

Hyfé transforms plant waste into chemicals that help displace petroleum. Petrochemicals drive over a third of global oil demand, yet the industry remains one of the most overlooked contributors to climate change. Our biorefinery converts plant biomass into glucose, a platform chemical that serves as a building block for plastics, solvents, and fertilizers. Unlike traditional biorefineries, which rely on lower-value forestry waste and struggle to compete with petroleum on cost, Hyfé uses food processing waste, extracting high-value specialty chemicals that allow its products to be cost-competitive with petroleum-based alternatives. By harnessing the untapped carbon potential in agricultural waste, Hyfé transforms an environmental challenge into a profitable and sustainable solution.

Joining Hyfé is a chance to be part of something extraordinary – it’s not just a job. We are pioneering a tangible and profitable solution to decarbonize commodity chemicals. And right now might be the most exciting moment in the company’s history to join. We are assembling a team of some of the most talented and motivated individuals across the country. Driven by our core values of unity, courage, dependability, momentum, and joy, our team is determined to deliver on our mission to transform how we make things for the better.

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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.