Quality Lab Manager

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.

 Position: Quality Lab Manager; Location:  St. Louis, MO

In order to support Pivot Bio’s rapidly expanding manufacturing efforts, we are looking for a strong leader to join our newly formed quality team as Quality Lab Manager. The person selected for this role will be responsible for building and leading a small team, the first of its kind inside Pivot Bio, to conduct Quality Control and Quality Assurance testing for Pivot Bio’s processes and final products. They will also be a key part of the team designing and setting up the Quality lab. As part of a dynamic and cross-functional team, you’ll collaborate closely with the R&D teams, biomanufacturing teams, and external manufacturing sites, while supporting other aspects of the quality function while reporting to the Associate Director, Quality. If you are a self-starter and have the qualifications, you will enjoy the satisfaction of being a crucial member of a growing team innovating the most cutting-edge products in agricultural biologicals

  Responsibilities: 

• Ensure that lab operations are completed according to good laboratory practices and that employee safety comes before all else
• Establish goals and key performance indicators for the team and supply the resources needed for success
• Develop/establish and oversee product quality control testing methods and provide training to staff and external partners, including transfer to contract manufacture organizations
• Manage the generation, execution, record keeping and technical review of analytical data
• Author guidance documents, standard operating procedures, work instructions, and other necessary documentation as needed
• In a timely manner, ensure all Pivot Bio’s products are in compliance with established quality assurance standards and product specifications
• Implement and maintain a robust product stability evaluation program including protocol writing, planning and set-up, sample inventory and distribution for testing, report writing, and data trending
• Champion, lead and participate in continuous improvement activities for the quality control operations
• Develop and coach staff in alignment with company goals and individual career aspirations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Technical understanding of the full life cycle of manufacturing bacteria
• Expert in microbial testing methods, including microbial enumeration, and microbial and contamination identification via traditional microbiology experience in quality control, quality assurance, and stability testing
• Experience in molecular biology techniques, particularly PCR and qPCR
• Strong analytical and data analysis skills and ability to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways
• Experience providing technical leadership on complex projects including developing quality (QA and QC) processes and procedures
• Proven ability to work under tight deadlines and pressure in a composed manner
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and work effectively including encouraging collaboration and building productive internal and external partnerships
• Strong leadership skills with ability to be both an individual contributor and people manager

Qualifications:

• BS/MS degree in microbiology or similar discipline plus 5+ years relevant experience managing a Quality (QA and QC) laboratory and personnel
• Experience in agtech manufacturing or similar area an advantage

*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