Bioprocess Intern, Upstream

Helaina is a VC-backed biotech startup creating a new category of functional food products. We're the first company to put human proteins into food, starting with making the most human-like infant formula in order to empower and equip parents with more choice in their infant’s nutrition.

Helaina’s R&D harnesses the power of naturally occurring biological processes in tandem with modern advances in the space of synthetic biology, fermentation, and improved industrial processing. We developed a novel precision fermentation platform to unlock a suite of functional proteins, which allows us to create infant formula with health benefits previously only available through breast milk.

Helaina is backed by top VCs in the industry including Spark Capital, Siam Capital, Primary Venture Partners, and Plum Alley. We are a team of change-makers looking for our next team member who is intensely passionate about advancing synthetic biology for food and beverage products and redefining the future of nutrition. 

Bioprocess Intern, Upstream
Helaina is a team brought together by the belief that health and developmental outcomes of all infants can be improved through nutritional options closest to breast milk. Our team is revolutionizing the infant nutrition space by developing a food product meant to uniquely support babies in their earliest stages. Helaina’s R&D ecosystem harnesses the power of naturally occurring biological processes in tandem with modern advances in the space of synthetic biology, fermentation, and improved industrial processing. 

We are a fast-paced startup looking for our next team member who is intensely passionate about advancing synthetic biology for food and beverage products and redefining the future of nutrition.

In this role, you will work in our NYC lab to support experiments performed by the Bioprocess team. The successful candidate will be a hands-on, motivated self-starter with a strong sense of initiative. You will be responsible for supporting fermentation experiments as the company's team and equipment availability grows. 
What You’ll Do

• Learn, and support the Upstream Bioprocess team with the setup and execution of fermentations for process development, characterization, and optimization
• Carry out fermentation sampling and monitoring, with the ability to troubleshoot equipment as necessary
• Prepare media and reagents required for execution of experiments
• Perform assays (SDS-PAGE, Western Blots) and support the team for quick turnaround of samples generated
• Perform other duties as required or directed to ensure the smooth operation of the bioprocess team

Qualifications

• Candidates must have at least completed their Junior year towards a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, biotechnology, microbiology, bioengineering, or any related field
• Brings an enthusiastic and curious attitude to work every day
• Enjoys working in a highly-collaborative, team-oriented environmentPrior experience in a lab, specifically with cell culture and aseptic technique are a plus
• Good laboratory practices including attention to detail, and ability to follow protocols 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; extremely organized
• Motivated to learn, and demonstrates the ability to be flexible and enthusiastic 
• Energetic, creative, and personally motivated by the future of food and/or biological products

The Logistics

• Terms of employment: Part-time, under 4o hours per week
• Location: New York, NY; United States 
• This is a U.S.-based position: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

Learn more about Helaina here:
The Spoon Article
Protein Report
Green Queen
Best NYC Startups 
MIT Tech Review 

Helaina is an Equal Opportunity Employer 
For more information, please contact careers@myhelaina.com  

Helaina is an Equal Opportunity Employer 
For more information, please contact careers@myhelaina.com