Fermenter Operator

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. 

Location: Hayward, CA

Position:  Fermenter Operator 

We are looking for a candidate who thrives in bench-scale fermenter operations, upstream of our pilot plant, focused on scaling-up our bacterial strains for robust liquid and dry prototype formulation. Working with the team in Fermentation & Formulation, you will enjoy the satisfaction of being a crucial member of a growing team innovating the most cutting-edge products in Ag Biologicals.   

Responsibilities:  

• Setting up, operating and monitoring 2 L to 10 L bench-scale fermentation platforms, including sensors calibrations and maintenance, and operations troubleshooting.  
• Following workflow instructions from LIMs, colleagues, and Scientists, with attention to detail. 
• Working with LIMs to develop workflows, recording data and observations, transferring fermentation data files to LIMS, contributing to data analysis in collaboration with and reporting to Fermentation Scientist level. 
• Recovery of biomass from fermentations for liquid formulations and prototypes. 
• Bench scale tangential flow filtration system operations for biomass concentration. 
• Microbiological analysis (microscopy, contamination plating, viability/enumeration, pH, optical density) of fermentation samples for quality assurance. 
• Operations and Maintenance of off-gas analytical equipment. 
• Effective written and verbal communications with colleagues, internal and external contacts. 
• Training and development in Pilot Plant unit operations. 

Physical Demands:  

• Mechanical aptitude and ability to manipulate heavy equipment pieces safely in place. 
• A significant portion of the working time is in the Pilot Plant for process workflow, and then computer-based work otherwise. 
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers. 
• Work that includes moving objects and occasionally lifting 30+ lbs. 
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing. 
• Communicating with others to exchange information. 
• Operating machinery. 
• Workflow may require an extended workday on occasion. 

Qualifications and Experience:   

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences with 5+ years' experience in fermentation environment. 
• Demonstrated ability with fermentation unit operations. 
• Demonstrable safe working practices. 
• Mechanical aptitude, and ability to manipulate heavy equipment pieces safely in place. 
• Experienced with laboratory information management systems. 

*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 - $121,000

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.