Research Associate II – Fermentation Microbiology

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 Fermentation Microbiology Research Associate II

Location: Berkeley, CA   

We are seeking a detailed oriented Research Associate II to join our growing Fermentation Microbiology sub-team within Bioprocessing and Formulation (B&F) team. As a part of this team you will be instrumental in testing both pre-commercial and early discovery strains. Testing will include growth studies in differing conditions and formulations to help identify optimal growth conditions and formulations for our microbes that improve long-term stability. You will conduct experiments in collaboration with B&F scientists to assess growth curve, growth defect, robustness of the cells in various media and conditions. Additionally, you will work in a team to develop assays and characterize bacterial performance indicators (gene expression, small molecule excretion, etc) under various growth conditions and formulations. 

Responsibilities:   

• Screen media for pre-commercial and early discovery strains  
• Understand the microbiology involved in robust cell propagation from cell bank to field studies 
• Work with team to design assays and to assess growth and robustness of cells in various media types and culturing conditions to correlate short term microbial behavior to long term stability 
• Produce reliable quantitative data on growth metrics and performance indicators  
• Document detailed observations  

Required Qualifications and Experience:   

• BS in chemistry, biological science or biotechnology, plus 2-4 years laboratory experience or equivalent related experience 
• Expertise in bacterial growth characteristics, growth optimization, time of harvest, effect of pH, viability plating, cell counting and microbial identification 
• Attention to detail  
• Excellent observation, documentation and problem-solving skills  
• Data organization and reporting with Microsoft Excel, JMP, SpotFire or R 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced industry research lab environment 
• Great communication - ability to understand the needs of others and clearly explain ideas 
• Knowledge of bacterial metabolism 

Desired Skills and Experience: 

• Experience with one or more of the following: 
• High throughput, plate-based culturing and assay techniques  
• Laboratory automation  
• HPLC, metabolite analysis 
• Molecular biology techniques including RNAseq, qPCR, DNA/RNA isolation 
• Microscopy 

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