Director, Fermentation

About Pivot Bio:  

Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of the soil microbiome, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in agriculture. Our products harness the power of naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops and new sustainable ways for farmers to reduce the usage of synthetic fertilizers as they work to help feed the world’s growing population.

Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour. 

Position: Director Fermentation & Downstream Process Development

 Location: Berkeley, CA with occasional travel to other Pivot Bio or CMO sites. This is an onsite role with the possibility of remote work 1-2 days per week. 

Pivot Bio seeks an experienced senior leader to head our Microbial Fermentation & Downstream Process Development team. The team works closely with the pilot plant and biomass manufacturing teams. The team has ~20 FTE. Reporting to the Vice President of Microbial Fermentation & Downstream Process Development, this leader will be responsible for the development of the fermentation & downstream bioprocesses for a diverse range of Gram-negative Nitrogen fixating bacteria. This role calls for an accomplished fermentation and downstream development leader who brings energy, creativity, and agility while delivering against goals. Strong candidates will bring people management experience, a strategic mindset, and a clear communication style well-suited for Product Innovation leadership. 

Core responsibilities: 

• Set goals, priorities, and initiatives based on strategic fit, scientific rationale and financial return on investment for the department. 
• Execute on company strategy and department OKRs by leading the technical guidance, resourcing, project planning, and people management for successful delivery of fermentation & downstream processes ready for process scale-up and technology transfer to manufacturing operations and manufacturing teams. 
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and project teams for development of high throughput screening and bench scale fermentation and downstream processes. 
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and methods for plate and tank-based fermentation and downstream models, microbioreactors, and relevant software tools. 
• Participate in the development of Pivot Bio data platform for automated data processing with software, automation, and data science teams. 
• Develop a culture of lab ownership, focusing on optimal workflows, safety, and quality. 
• Implement and manage an Innovation LEAN culture. 

Required Skills and Experience:  

• PhD in Microbiology, Fermentation/Biochemical Engineering, or a related field. At least 8 years of relevant industrial experience managing science-based teams with a track record of delivering against goals. 
• Track record of developing microbial-based processes of live microorganisms for commercial use, ideally for agricultural applications. 
• Ideally a track record for taking products from lab scale to commercial scale manufacturing, including process scale-up, tech transfer and continuous process improvement. 
• Built and managed cross-functional teams with exceptional collaboration and results. 
• Strategic and tactical experience for implementing new technologies and methods for plate and tank-based fermentation and downstream models, microbioreactors, and relevant software tools. 
• Experience in development of data platforms for automated data processing with software, automation, and data science teams. 

What we offer: 

• Competitive package in a disruptive startup 
• Stock options 
• Health/Dental/Vision insurance with employer-paid premiums 
• Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability policies 
• Employee Assistance Program with free referrals and discounts 
• 401(k) plan, 3% Match 
• Commuter benefits 
• Annual Training & Development support 
• Flexible vacation policy with a generous holiday schedule 
• Exciting opportunity to work with a talented and fun team

*Internal employees, please apply by clicking on the Internal Job Board icon on NSIDER