Down Stream Process Development qPCR Intern

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 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:  Pivot Bio Summer Intern-qPCR method development 

Summer 2023 Internship May - August 2023 

Location: Hayward, CA 

The Process Development analytical team needs immediate help to expand our analytical capacity by increasing the strength of qPCR method development team. As we are quickly moving forward to use qPCR as a method of viability assay technique to replace colony counting methods, we need to develop qPCR as a viability assay tool for various type of complex samples like on seed, freeze dried powdered or liquid samples. The intern will be responsible for assisting our R&D team by providing technical support to develop and modify our existing protocol by applying various techniques to reduce the qPCR inhibition in specific samples.   

Responsibilities:  

• Assist the analytical team by performing repeated qPCR experiments following SOP but providing innovative thought to overcome qPCR inhibitory effects as well as to get better comparative viable numbers while comparing qPCR viable number with colony counting.  
• Support the analytical team with daily laboratory activities like sample preparation, serial dilutions, sample incubation and perform qPCR. 
• Participate in preparation of liquid, freeze dried, on seed and other type of samples for viability assessment and measurement of pH, osmolarity, physical appearance and other parameters as defined.  
• Monitor work for accuracy, manage multiple responsibilities, and maintain professionalism. 
• Have opportunities to work with other teams in the fermentation and formulation department.  
• Other duties as assigned. 

 Physical Demands:  

• Routinely walking, standing for long hours, sampling, pipetting and colony counting, and working in pilot plant environment. 
• Driving between Berkeley and Hayward and other locations as needed. 
• Regularly lifting objects (up to 20 lbs). 

Qualifications and Experience:  

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or higher degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biology, chemistry, Environmental studies and/or related field. 
• Experience in applying aseptic techniques, gowning requirements, and good documentation practices.   
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record. 
• Strong verbal and communication skills. 
• Ability to self-manage time and execute on assigned responsibilities. 
• Must live in assigned territory. 

*Must be authorized to work in the United States  

What we offer:  

• Opportunity to gain professional experience in a progressive company 
• Exciting opportunity to work with a talented and fun team