Liquid Formulation 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 commercial products harness the power of naturally-occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops.  We provide new and 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.

Position: Liquid Formulation Scientist 

We are looking for a creative scientist to develop innovative formulations to stabilize microbes in a liquid state. Reporting to the formulation scientist, and working in a beautiful new facility in Berkeley, the candidate will be responsible for designing and executing experiments to evaluate innovative liquid formulation concepts. The candidate should have a strong foundation in chemistry and microbiology, a knack for creative problem-solving, an eye for detail, skill with troubleshooting laboratory equipment, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. We expect the candidate to thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing research objectives, develop collaborations across teams, and operate independently with minimal oversight. 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.    

Location: Berkeley (~75%), Hayward (~25%) 

Responsibilities: 

• Generate ideas for new liquid formulation concepts 
• Design/execute experiments to develop innovative liquid formulations at laboratory scale and evaluate their physical and biological stability 
• Introduce new techniques and equipment for analyzing formulation samples 
• Collaborate with B&F scientists in cross-functional projects  
• Coordinate with research team members to secure resources 
• Cultivate the development of research technicians and associates 
• Operate and maintain lab-scale processing and analytical equipment 
• Promote the maintenance of an organized laboratory environment, including an organizational system for sample storage 
• Share research progress at team meetings 
• Support the transfer of promising formulations from bench to pilot scale 
• As needed, be able to drive to/from the Hayward and Berkeley locations  

Requirements: 

• Ph.D. in chemistry, microbiology, food science, biological systems engineering, biochemical engineering, or related field or equivalent relevant experience 
• Expertise in liquid formulation fundamentals including emulsions/suspensions/colloid science, biopolymers, rheology, buffering systems 
• Expertise in liquid formulation processing including filtration, diafiltration, mixing, emulsification 
• Knowledge of relevant formulation ingredients and their function 
• Strong foundation in experimental design, data analysis and interpretation 
• Excellent organizational skills, demonstrated ability to keep track of numerous experiments each with many samples 
• Attention to detail 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced industry research lab environment 
• Familiar with sterile/aseptic technique for handling microbes 
• Exemplifies laboratory safety best practices 
• Great communication - ability to understand the needs of others and clearly explain ideas 
• Able & willing to perform physically repetitive tasks like pipetting 

***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