LIMS Support Engineer

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 first commercial product harnesses the power of naturally-occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops.  We are dedicated to providing new sustainable ways for farmers to improve yield as they work to help feed the world’s growing population. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour.  

Location: Berkeley

Research and development at Pivot Bio is constantly investigating ways to improve our current product performance while expanding our product line to include different crops around the world. Managing this growing research data and the complexity of its associated workflows requires the assistance of both custom-built and vendor software, but often R&D staff need assistance in using and developing these internal tools. The LIMS Support Engineer will work with the Data Services team and various laboratory R&D teams to help support the use and development of these tools to enable new product development at a larger scale. 

 Responsibilities: 

• Support R&D staff with technical issues when using LIMS software 
• Provide guidance on developing appropriate data templates and their associated database models from existing spreadsheets  
• Train users on effective use of LIMS software and create documentation and training materials as needed  
• Assist scientists and research associates in configuring software tools for new assays and sample management workflows  
• Build relationships with R&D staff to facilitate iterative development of tools and constructive feedback loops that improve the data collection process  
• Gather information and data to file appropriate bug reports when issues arise 
• Wrangle lab data in a time-bound, quick turnaround manner. Candidates will require clear and patient communication with internal customers.  

Required Skills and Experience: 

• 2+ years of relevant experience working with data and LIMS systems in biotech 
• Experience using Python, R, or Ruby to run scripts to interact with REST APIs and to clean and manipulate data 
• Experience writing SQL queries against relational databases in a LIMS system 
• Documenting stakeholder needs around instrument generated data (lab instrument/automation to LIMS integration) 
• Strong attention to detail and orientation to process 
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to a range of stakeholders with different data needs

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