Quality Control Technician

About Pivot Bio:  

Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of microbiology, genomics, crop nutrition and agriculture, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in fertilizer technology. Our first commercial product harnesses the power of naturally-occurring microbes, modern gene editing and application technologies to provide nitrogen to crops.  We are dedicated to providing new solutions 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.

We are seeking a Quality Control Technician to monitor and inspect products and processes to ensure they meet company and regulatory standards.  The QC Technician will perform tests, analyze results, and collaborate with production and R&D teams to maintain product consistency and quality.   

This role is a full-time, temporary position with opportunity to convert to permanent. 

Essential functions  

• Perform quality control testing for microbial products which include viability assays, pH measurements, Gram stain with microscopy, colony PCR, etc.  
• Deliver time-sensitive quality projects on time with required standards and documentation.  
• Use aseptic techniques to sample microbial products with serological pipettes, run plate-based serial dilution, plate diluted microbial products with spread or spot plating techniques by manual and automated methods.   
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, preferred 
• Record data and run Excel-based calculations with accuracy and consistency. Apply data into LIMS platformed systems for evaluation. Generate reports as needed.  
• Interpret results for meeting specifications and perform investigations when quality specifications are not met. 
• Perform or participate in the statistical evaluation of test results as needed. 
• Perform peer review of testing results and all supporting documentation and metadata as needed. 
• Receive, record, and track inbound samples /material and ship outbound samples for quality testing purposes.  
• Ability to follow and demonstrate Good Documentation Practices per ALCOA guidelines. 
• Ability to follow and demonstrate Microbial Lab Best Practices. 
• Support all general lab operations necessary to keep the lab running safely and effectively, including waste removal, hazardous waste disposal, safety policies, equipment maintenance, stocking of laboratory supplies, etc.   
• Review Quality SOPs, work instructions, and department forms for accuracy and update as needed.  Ability to draft new SOPs, work instructions, and department forms for new processes as needed using approved formats. 

Competencies 

Knowledge & Application 

• High level of multi-channel pipetting and plate-based assay skills required.   
• Experience with routine microbial characterization desired.   
• Experience with product quality assurance and quality control desired.  
• Ability to follow SOPs and work instructions, good organization skills with attention to details.  
• Good communication skills and ability to work independently. 

Complexity & Problem Solving 

• Ability to evaluate testing results and assist in investigations as needed. 
• Assist in root cause evaluations of deviations as needed. 
• Participate in continual process improvements of department functions as needed and to challenge established processes for improvement. 

Collaboration & Interaction 

• Participate across multiple department lines as needed to complete tasks affecting all stakeholders. 

Work environment  

• Lab, warehouse and production environment 
• Involves lifting or moving products weighing up to 50 pounds.  
• Standing, sitting, walking and testing for long periods of time.  

Required Education & Experience 

• Minimum 2 years lab experience in Microbiology required and molecular biology preferred.  

Must be authorized to work in the United States. 

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