Research Associate II - Fermentation

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 looking for a Research Associate II who thrives in fast-paced industry research lab environment and is motivated by Pivot Bio’s mission to provide microbial-based solutions for nitrogen delivery to crops. The successful candidate should be willing to learn and support innovation, while maintaining excellent laboratory practices.   

Reporting to the Scientist, Fermentation, the candidate will be responsible for supporting the development of microbial fermentation processes intended to increase product quality and shelf-life, and improve nitrogen-use efficiency in selected crops. An ideal candidate has passion and solid working knowledge of fermentation processes and operating equipment, including high-throughput, multi-parallel (e.g., Sartorius ambr250), and/or bench-scale fermentation systems. Familiarity with centrifugation and/or tangential flow filtration (TFF) systems, laboratory automation, and LIMS systems are a plus. The candidate should have a working knowledge of microbiology and chemistry, an eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with changing research objectives. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Working in a fermentation and downstream laboratory setting with minimal supervision 

• Operate and maintain lab-scale fermentation systems 

• Prepare end of fermentation samples for live cells separation and drying 

• Plate and count microbes using aseptic technique, automated dilution and counting methods 

• Collect, enter, and analyze fermentation data in LIMS systems 

• Attend and present data in R&D meetings  

Required Education & Experience  

• Bachelor of Science degree in life sciences, food science, biological systems engineering, biochemical engineering, or related field or equivalent experience     

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a fast-paced industry fermentation lab environment    

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently, ask good questions, and recognize anomalies  

• Can-do attitude, strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills 

• Open mind for learning and contributing across fermentation and downstream process development 

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

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