Company: ChainCraft

About the job

At ChainCraft, we are turning chemistry circular. We develop sustainable biotechnological processes that convert food waste into valuable bio-based fatty acids. Supported by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), ChainCraft will leverage its Chain Elongation technology to develop a new type of fermentation for sustainable high-value chemical production. As goal, ChainCraft aims to pioneer the industrial production of C8-caprylic acid from real organic residue streams. For this, we are looking for a candidate eager to investigate novel open culture C8 fermentation methods at lab-scale.

In this internship, you are a part of the R&D team to investigate the behavior of open culture fermentation systems running on various feedstocks, with the aim to provide the basis for a follow-up pilot study and develop ChainCrafts’ technology portfolio. In addition to fermentations, physical/chemical experiments focused on validating downstream processing approaches can be part of the internship.

Requirements

  • MSc/HBO Biotechnology, (Bio)Chemistry, Life Sciences or similar
  • Laboratory experience
  • Experience with a bioreactor is a pré
  • Creative problem solving
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Minimum availability of 5 months (40h/week)

What describes you?

  • Eager to contribute to a sustainable and circular future
  • Pro-active and willing to make true impact
  • Willing to work in a young and dynamic work environment
  • Eager to perform research in an industrious environment

The candidate

  • Setting up a research plan to (further) develop a new type of fermentation that includes open culture anaerobic microbiomes.

Perform open-culture batch bottle fermentations.

  • Screen optimal fermentation conditions e.g. feedstock dilutions, pH, temperature.

Perform open-culture bioreactor experiments.

  • Screening operational parameters for C8-caprylic acid fermentation development.
  • Design and operate continuous reactor to enrich dominant chain elongation microbes for C8-caprylic acid production.
  • Use established analytical laboratory methods e.g. GC, spectrometry, etc.
  • Join and provide input to the R&D team activities and projects.

What we offer

At ChainCraft, you contribute to a better world by making sustainable innovation a
reality. We offer a stimulating and informal environment with an international team
that shares a mission to replace fossil and palm-based chemicals with circular
alternatives. Within ChainCraft, you can join an enthusiastic and young team with
weekly free lunches, monthly drinks as well as activities for our employees and
interns. Furthermore, internship compensation of €450 per month is available.

Experience level: Junior

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