Fermentation Scientist I

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 I

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 Bioprocessing 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: 

• Application of DOE to workflow. 
• 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.  
• Developing batch records, collecting, analyzing and reporting data and results.    
• Microbiological analysis of process streams for quality assurance.  
• Other duties as assigned

  Physical Demands: 

• Mechanical aptitude and ability to manipulate heavy equipment pieces safely in place.
• Equal parts lab and computer work depending on work flow
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers 
• Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing 
• Communicating with others to exchange information 
• Occasionally operating machinery 

Qualifications and Experience: 

• PhD in Life Sciences or related disciplines.
• Industrial experience applying fermentation technology preferred.
• Demonstrated ability with fermentation and DSP processes.
• Experienced with laboratory information management systems, and statistical software. 
• Experienced with equipment acquisition and validation. 
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills with proven ability to thrive in a team environment. 
• Attention to detail.
• Evening and/or weekend work as workload requires.

 *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: $100,000 - $125,000

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.