Formulation Research 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 he 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:  Intern – Formulation Research 

Schedule:  Summer 2023 Internship May - August 2023  

The formulation research team is looking for a strong researcher who thrives in the laboratory. The successful candidate should be willing to learn and support innovation while maintaining excellent laboratory practices. Working primarily in our beautiful new facility in Berkeley, the candidate will be responsible for supporting the formulation research team’s efforts to develop and characterize microbial formulations. The candidate should have a working knowledge of microbiology and be able to apply these concepts to culturing microbes in lab. The successful candidate will work independently to execute a research project that encompasses formulation technologies such as spray drying and freeze drying. 

Responsibilities:  

In this role, an intern will:  

• Work in a laboratory setting to generate, package, and characterize dry and liquid microbial formulations 
• Handle microbial cultures in a manner that promotes operator safety, lab hygiene, and sample integrity 
• Operate and maintain lab-scale processing and packaging equipment, including automated liquid handlers 
• Maintain large number of samples in an organized manner  
• Evaluate samples in a quick turnaround manner, producing replicable results that are statistically relevant  
• Plate and count microbes using aseptic technique  
• Analyze samples for water activity, moisture content, viscosity, pH 
• Be able to identify microbial contamination 
• Collect and enter data in physical and electronic notebooks  
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) to execute assays  
• Troubleshoot and assist with developing protocol (SOP) iterations 
• Attend and contribute to R&D meetings  

 Physical Demands:  

• 75% lab work and 25% computer work 
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers 
• Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds, occasionally up to 50 pounds 
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing 
• Communicating with others to exchange information 
• Occasionally operating machinery 
• As needed, be able to drive to/from the Hayward and Berkeley locations   
• Perform repetitive tasks such as pipetting, powder weighing, and viability spread plating 

Qualifications and Experience:  

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor or higher degree in life sciences, chemistry, biotechnology, food science, biological systems engineering, biochemical engineering, or related field  
• Experience with sterile/aseptic technique for handling microbes  
• Comfortable with standard microbiology techniques, including CFU/viability plating and cell counting  
• Excellent communication - ability to understand the needs of others and clearly explain ideas  
• Attention to detail, skilled in making observations and documenting anomalies  
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills  
• Able to work 8-hour workdays and five-day work weeks  
• A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle 

*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