Research Associate – Strain Analytics Assay Development (Microbial Physiology/Ecology)

About Pivot Bio:  

Company Description:   

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: Research Associate – Strain Analytics (Microbial Physiology/Ecology) 

Location: Berkeley, CA  

We are seeking an experienced and detailed-oriented Research Associate to join our Strain Analytics group. This role is instrumental in supporting discovery R&D in microbial ecophysiology and microbial interactions for development of novel product concepts. This candidate will conduct high-throughput growth assays to characterize diazotrophic bacteria in the context of synthetic communities. The candidate will also have responsibilities in participating in assay development program to help develop novel assays, scaling, and automation. They will generate quantitative data, perform data analysis, interpret, and present results in group meetings. We are looking for someone who is energized by solving creatively and excited to tackle a key agricultural challenge in a fast paced and supportive environment.  Must be able to work independently and as a part of a dynamic team and willing to learn new techniques.  

Responsibilities include:  

• Characterize a library of microbial strains by growth kinetics and biochemical assays 
• Help formulate defined media and implement to high throughput screens and plate assays  
• Measure N-fixation related activities from cultures and other phenotypic traits as needed  
• Analyze and communicate data to our collaborating research groups & projects  
• Mentor & train other researchers  
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders, present data in group meetings 
• Keep detailed records of all experiments  

Required Skills and Experience:  

• BS in microbiology or biological science or a related field with 1 - 2+ years full-time experience or equivalent relevant experience. 
• Understanding of research/development, and the principles behind experiment design and execution (e.g. importance of controls, answering research questions, and testing hypotheses). 
• Understanding of aseptic and standard microbiology techniques, culturing of non-model bacteria and microbial metabolism. 
• Practical experience in standard molecular biology techniques including PCR, cloning. 
• Proven ability to manage deadlines and multiple ongoing multi-day workflows.  
• Experience conducting quantitative instrumental analysis (e.g. plate reader, UV-Vis spectroscopy, GC and/or HPLC).   
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.   
• This role requires meticulous data organization and planning with proficiency in Microsoft Excel, SpotFire, R, Tableau or similar.  

Desired Skills and Experience:  

• 1 - 2+ years of experience working in academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical industries 
• Strong understanding of microbial physiology, metabolism, biochemistry, molecular biology 
• Experience with isolation of microbes, culturing anaerobic or microaerophilic microbes and/or microbes with unusual nutritional requirements  
• Experience with process development, optimization and automation 
• Experience with NGS library preparation and sequencing  
• Experience training and mentoring junior team members 

*Must be authorized to work in the U.S.  

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