Scientist I/II

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: Scientist I/II - Microbial Engineering 
Location: Boston, MA

 Our team at Pivot Bio located in the Greater Boston area is looking for a team member who wants to bring agricultural innovations by realizing the potentials 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 microfluidics and to implement innovative ideas for environmentally sustainable agricultural practices in a real-world setting. 

Responsibilities:

• Develop high-throughput selections of microbial cells using microfluidics.  
• Develop and optimize synthetic reporter systems to assess bioproduct levels in non-model microbial hosts.  
• Metabolically engineer diverse microbes using genome-wide approaches considering evolutionary dynamics.   
• Generate and analyze large-scale data using statistical approaches aided by computational methods. 
• Independently troubleshoot specific problems that can arise during execution and propose solutions and improved experimental plans.  
• Communicate and collaborate with larger team members in varied scientific and technical roles.  
• Manage and mentor entry to mid-level researchers  with variable backgrounds.  

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in bioengineering, microbiology, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, systems biology, or other relevant fields. 
• Motivated by strong curiosity to explore and engineer microbes in the context of the rhizosphere.  
• Experience with microfluidics.  
• Flexible to tweak equipment and produce prototypes for high-throughput assays.  
• Good understanding of microbial biosensors and genetic circuit design. 
• Good understanding of high-throughput screening and sequencing of cell libraries with a focus on specific functional traits.  
• Good understanding of metabolic engineering and evolutionary biology. 
• Experience with hardware engineering a plus.  
• 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