Research Associate I

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 the 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. 

Location: Boston, MA

Position:  Research Associate I 

Our team at Pivot Bio located in the Greater Boston area is looking for a team member who wants to bring agricultural innovation by unlocking the potential of soil microbes. The position will conduct experiments in the lab as well as analyze datasets using computational and statistical approaches. This position presents unique opportunities to develop high-throughput screening systems using cutting-edge molecular techniques from synthetic biology and systems biology and to implement innovative ideas for environmentally sustainable agricultural practices in a real-world setting. 

Responsibilities:  

• Bachelor's Degree with 0-2 years’ experience in genetic engineering, microbiology, synthetic biology, systems biology or equivalent 
• Motivated by a strong curiosity to explore and engineer microbes in the context of microbe-microbe and plant-microbe interactions  
• Experience in microbial culture techniques 
• Experience in genetic engineering of microbes   
• Good understanding of microbial metabolism 
• Good understanding of microbial evolution 
• Attention to detail and ability to effectively perform tasks as directed by supervisor or according to an SOP 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

 Physical Demands:  

• Job will be a mixture of lab and 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 30 pounds  
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing  
• Communicating written and verbally with others to exchange information  

Qualifications and Experience:   

• Motivated by a strong curiosity to explore and engineer microbes in the context of microbe-microbe and plant-microbe interactions  
• Experience in microbial culture techniques 
• Experience in genetic engineering of microbes   
• Good understanding of microbial metabolism 
• Good understanding of microbial evolution 
• Attention to detail and ability to effectively perform tasks as directed by supervisor or according to an SOP 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

*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 

Hiring Compensation Range: $65,000 - $77,000

This salary range for this Berkeley, CA, Hayward, CA or Boston, MA based position incorporates a premium for the cost of labor in this area.  If this role is hired remotely of one of Pivot facilities, contact compensation for the lower range for National Benchmark.  Following employment, growth beyond the hiring range is possible based on performance.