Company: ChainCraft

About the job

At ChainCraft, we are turning chemistry circular. We develop sustainable biotechnological processes that convert organic waste into valuable bio-based fatty acids. ChainCraft's is scaling its technology to a commercial level at a new plant, aiming for production capacity to 20,000 tons of fatty acids annually. Our process development team is looking for an enthusiastic intern to study the impact of fatty acid compositional variability on a key downstream processing (DSP) step for fatty acid recovery.

R&D Internship: Downstream Processing Step` – Feed Sensitivity Study
This R&D internship focuses on understanding the sensitivity and operational robustness of a key DSP step under varying feed compositions. The project aims to determine how changes in short- and medium-chain fatty acid ratios affect recovery efficiency, product losses, and overall business performance.

Possible activities as a part of this internship include:

  • Defining feed specifications and variability ranges based on historical fermentation data
  • Assessing DSP recovery performance as a function of short- to medium-chain fatty acid ratios through lab-scale experiments
  • Operating a lab-scale continuous DSP setup representative of industrial conditions
  • Defining operational limits to safeguard recovery efficiency and minimize fatty acid losses
  • Translating technical findings into business impact (yield, margin sensitivity, economic risk exposure)
  • Delivering a technical report and final presentation summarizing the internship results

Specific details related to the scope of the project is open for discussion and can be defined at the start of the project in coordination with the project supervisor.

Requirements

  • BSc or MSc (HBO or university) student in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry,
  • Environmental Technology, Life Sciences, or a related field
  • Affinity for independently conducting lab-scale experimental work
  • Interest in downstream processing, separation technologies, and process
  • robustness
  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to critically evaluate experimental data
  • Experience with processes that acid is used is a plus
  • Minimum availability of 5 months (40h/week).

The candidate

  • Enthusiastic about downstream processing and separation technologies
  • Motivated to contribute to a sustainable and circular future
  • Proactive and eager to make tangible impact
  • Comfortable working in a young, dynamic, and collaborative environment
  • Looking to perform practical research with direct industrial relevance

What we offer

At ChainCraft, you contribute to a better world by turning sustainable innovation into
reality. You will work in an international, informal, and mission-driven team that is
actively scaling breakthrough technology from lab to industry.

We offer:

  • Hands-on experience in industrial process development
  • Close supervision by experienced R&D professionals
  • An open and collaborative work culture
  • Weekly free lunches, monthly drinks, and team activities
  • Internship compensation of €450 per month

Experience level: Junior

How to apply: send your CV and motivation to hr@chaincraft.com