Organic chemistry Intern

Company Description

Earthworks is an innovative startup at the forefront of the alternative materials revolution. Committed to circular economy principles, we aim to transform agro-waste to create sustainable bio-composites.

Organic Chemist Intern : Novel Extraction Methods from Agro-Waste

This job description outlines the role and responsibilities of an Organic Chemist specializing in developing and optimizing green and sustainable extraction methodologies for valuable compounds from agricultural waste materials.

Position Summary

The Organic Chemist Intern will work with  research and development efforts to design, implement, and validate novel, scalable, and environmentally friendly extraction processes. The primary goal is to recover high-value natural products from various agro-waste streams, contributing to a circular economy and sustainable resource utilization.

Key R esponsibilities

Method Development & Optimization :   Execute experiments to develop new extraction techniques (e.g.,deep eutectic solvents, acid and alkali hydrolysis ) tailored for specific agro-waste matrices.

Compound Isolation & Purification : Plan and perform experiments  to isolate target compounds at high purity.

Characterization & Analysis : Utilize advanced analytical techniques,, to quantify and structurally characterize the extracted compounds and assess extraction efficiency.

Process Scale-Up : Develop protocols for transitioning successful lab-scale methods to pilot and industrial scale, ensuring cost-effectiveness, safety, and reproducibility .

Safety & Compliance : Adhere strictly to laboratory safety protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Maintain accurate records and documentation of all experiments and results.

Collaboration & Reporting : Work cross-functionally with process engineers, materials scientists. Prepare detailed technical reports, present findings, and contribute to patent applications and scientific publications.

Qualifications required

Education : Pursuing Masters. Or completed Masters  in Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Green Chemistry , or a closely related field.

Skills : Strong understanding of reaction mechanisms, solvent properties, and thermodynamics as they relate to extraction and solubility. Excellent problem-solving, data analysis, and technical writing skills.

Preferred skills

Expertise in Green Chemistry principles and the use of bio-based or alternative solvents.

Familiarity with process simulation software and design of experiments (DOE) methodology.

Prior experience in projects focused on agro-waste valorization or biorefinery concepts.

Desired Attributes

Innovative and driven to create sustainable solutions.

Detail-oriented with a commitment to high-quality data and experimental rigor.

Ability to work independently and manage multiple project timelines.