Scientist 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 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. Learn more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour.  

 We are looking for an Analytical Biochemist who thrives in a fast-paced industry research lab environment and is motivated by Pivot Bio’s mission to provide sustainable, 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 High Throughput Screening Team Lead, the candidate will be responsible for supporting the development and screening of engineered microbes intended to improve nitrogen-use efficiency in cereal crops. Familiarity with high throughput automated laboratory methods and LIMS system integrations is a plus. The candidate should have a working knowledge of microbial physiology/metabolism, an eye for detail, excellent communication and collaboration skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with changing research objectives. 

 Essential functions: 

• Plan, organize, and execute high throughput analytical workflows to assess performance of gene-edited microbial strains from many different species for agricultural applications. 
• Demonstrate proficiency with analytical characterization techniques (e.g., liquid/gas chromatography, UV/Fluorescence, and electrophoresis). 
• Ability to independently conceive, develop, and implement advanced scientific techniques. 
• Develop new chromatographic methods for quantification of new indications of interest. 
• Become proficient at assigned automated workflows and error recovery within those workflows; use this knowledge to ensure success of screens. 
• Operate laboratory automation (GC and HPLC) to execute efficient, robust, high-throughput workflows. 
• Work with internal customers in Strain Engineering, Fermentation & Formulation, Quality, and Regulatory to deliver high quality assay data that is in-spec and on time.  
• Collaborate with the Scientific Computing team to build workflows for data tracking, dashboards, and reports. 
• Analyze large data sets and communicate results to stakeholders across teams. 
• Author and follow SOPs to deliver consistent, high-quality results. 
• Maintain a safe lab environment for yourself and others. 
• Ensure general lab upkeep and equipment maintenance. 
• Opportunity to mentor junior team members as we expand capabilities and capacity of the HTS team. 

 Preferred qualifications: 

• Experience using statistical data analysis software (e.g., JMP, Tableau, R, Spotfire, etc.). 
• Experience using project management software (e.g., Asana, Jira, Smartsheets, etc.).  
• Experience in statistical process control, 5S, Six Sigma, and/or lean manufacturing principles.  

 Required education and experience: 

• MS/PhD in biology, chemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or related field. 
• Minimum of 5 years of industry experience, preferably within a high throughput screening operations environment. 
• Excellent oral and verbal communication skills with collaborative experience with interdisciplinary teams. 
• Able to draw conclusions and communicate results from large data sets. 
• Highly resourceful and comfortable working both independently and in a team environment. 
• Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills. 
• Must be flexible and responsive to changing priorities. 

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

*Internal employees, please apply by clicking on the Internal Job Board icon on NSIDER