Fermentation Scientist

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:  Fermentation Scientist

We are looking for a Fermentation Scientist who thrives on the challenge of scaling-up fermentations from high throughput platforms through to bench and pilot scale volumes, to ensure success at commercial scale. This is a hands-on position working with a growing team in Fermentation and Formulation (B&F) involving operations of fermentation systems and associated downstream biomass recovery processes. If this is you, you will enjoy the satisfaction of being a crucial member of a growing team innovating the most cutting edge products in Ag Biologicals.       

Responsibilities: 

• Scale-up of prototype formulations from high throughput platforms to bench to pilot fermenter scales. 
• Process Development and optimization for high quality biomass in final formulations. 
• Process Control and sensor strategy development. 
• Recovery of biomass from fermentation using a variety of downstream processes.
• Application of DOE to work flow. 
• Developing batch records, collecting, analyzing and reporting data and results.  
• Team member of strain selection and formulation development projects 
• Microbiological analysis of process streams for quality assurance. 
• Leading meetings and participating on project teams using effective communication and collaboration skills.

 Physical Demands: 

• Occasionally able to lift 30+ lbs. 
• Estimated 75% of time in laboratory setting/25% of time in office setting, or vice versa depending on workflow   
• Able to occasionally lift 50 pounds.  
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.     
• Able to reach and work with arms elevated to chest height inside hoods and biological safety cabinets for prolonged periods. 
• Must be able to work in noisy environments. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

• PhD in Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, related disciplines 
• Industrial experience applying fermentation technology preferred.
• Demonstrated ability with fermentation and DSP processes.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to manipulate heavy equipment pieces safely in place. 
• Experienced with laboratory information management systems. 
• Experienced with equipment acquisition and validation. 
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills with proven ability to thrive in a team environment. 
• Attention to detail.

*Must be authorized to work in the United States 

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 

Hiring Compensation Range: $113,200 – $125,778

This salary range for this Berkeley, CA, Hayward, CA or Boston, MA based position incorporates a premium for the cost of labor in this area.  If this role is hired remotely of one of Pivot facilities, contact compensation for the lower range for National Benchmark.  Following employment, growth beyond the hiring range is possible based on performance.