Company Description:

Coffee Elf Inc. is a forward-thinking startup, pioneering the use of green chemistry and biotechnology to unlock the full potential of coffee. Our mission is to significantly reduce emissions within the coffee industry and extend the economic viability of coffee, benefiting stakeholders throughout the coffee chain, from farmers to consumers. Specializing in the upcycling of spent coffee grounds into valuable, eco-friendly products, we address both environmental and social challenges, notably tackling Scope 3 emissions related to waste disposal and transportation.

Role Description:

We are seeking a Chemical/Biomolecular Engineering Research Intern for a hybrid/remote unpaid internship, designed explicitly for students looking to earn academic credits. This position offers an invaluable opportunity to engage directly in research, data analysis, and laboratory experiments focused on coffee chemistry and biotechnology. Under the mentorship of our Chief Technology Officer and a dedicated research team, the intern will help develop a research proposal aimed at securing funding for projects that extract and purify bioactive molecules from coffee grounds. This role is ideal for students who wish to immerse themselves in the fast-paced, innovative environment of a startup, contributing to cutting-edge solutions in waste management and gaining hands-on experience in biotechnological research and development.

Responsibilities:

1. Research Proposal Writing: Work alongside the CTO and research team to formulate a comprehensive research proposal that clearly outlines the project’s goals, methodologies, and expected outcomes.

2. Literature Review: Conduct thorough literature reviews to identify pertinent studies, technologies, and methods for the extraction of bioactive molecules from natural sources, with a particular focus on coffee grounds.

3. Experiment Design: Aid in designing and executing experiments to optimize the extraction process, aiming to maximize the yield and quality of bioactive molecules from coffee grounds.

Qualifications:

1. Currently enrolled in a Master's or Bachelor's program in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomolecular Engineering, Biochemistry, Physics, or a related field.

2. Research or coursework experience in polymers, bioprocessing, bioseparations, or related areas.

3. Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating complex scientific concepts clearly and effectively.

4. Strong skills in literature review, data analysis, and scientific writing.

Additional Information:

This internship is unpaid, but academic credit is available for students whose colleges or universities recognize such experiences. Candidates are required to verify their eligibility for academic credit with their educational institution prior to starting the internship. At Coffee Elf Inc., we are committed to enriching the educational experience of our interns by providing substantial hands-on involvement in projects that complement and enhance their academic pursuits.