Down Stream Processing 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 - Downstream Process Development  

Summer 2023 Internship May - August 2023  

Process Development team is looking for a detail oriented and energetic intern who thrives in a fast-paced industry Pilot Plant setting for Downstream Processing. Reporting to the Scientist, and working in Hayward California, the intern will be responsible for supporting the bioprocessing and formulation team in Downstream Processing activities. We expect the intern to thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing research objectives, work within a team, but also follow protocols with minimal oversight.  

Responsibilities:  

In this role, an intern will:    

• Assist the downstream processing scientist in unit operations include freeze drying, spray drying, fluid bed drying, liquid blending and filling operations, grinding, sieving, and packaging of prototype liquid and dried microbial products 
• Operate and maintain downstream processing equipment 
• Promote the maintenance of an organized pilot plant environment, including an organizational system for sample storage 
• Support daily laboratory activities like sample preparation, serial dilutions, sample incubation, viability assays, spread plating, spot plating, and colony counting 
• Maintain large volumes of samples in an organized manner 
• Collect, enter, and analyze data regularly 
• Follow SOPs and participate in quality improvement efforts 
• Maintain lab materials & consumable stock supply  
• Attend R&D meetings and other duties as assigned 

 Physical Demands:  

• Able to perform physically repetitive tasks like handling of bladders of 20 LB, pipetting and colony counting 
• Experience in applying aseptic techniques, gowning requirements, and good documentation practices  
• Attention to detail and ability to effectively perform tasks as directed by supervisor  
• Able to successfully execute processes in accordance with SOPs  
• Good understanding of research project planning, experimental design, and data collection 
• Familiar with sterile/aseptic technique for handling microbes  
• Ability to understand the needs of others and clearly explain ideas  

Qualifications and Experience:  

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering, Microbiology,  Biology, Environmental studies and/or related field 
• 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 at least 20 years old for rental car purposes  

*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