Senior Research Associate

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 products harness the power of naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops and new sustainable ways for farmers to reduce the usage of synthetic fertilizers as they work to help feed the world’s growing population.

Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour. 

Position: Senior Research Associate 

Location: Berkeley, CA 

The Strain Analytics Team at Pivot Bio is looking for an Assay Development Senior Research Associate who is excited about the challenges of working with novel soil microbes in a high-impact, fast moving and supportive team. In this role you will collaborate closely with our Strain Engineering, Fermentation and Formulation, Automation and Data Science teams to develop and optimize high-throughput screening (HTS) protocols that can rapidly identify promising microbes to promote to greenhouse testing and field trials.  

The ideal candidate will have expertise in biochemistry or analytical chemistry, assay validation & scaling, and microbial physiology. We are looking for someone who is energized by solving creatively and excited to tackle a key agricultural challenge. 

Core Responsibilities:

• Optimize and operationalize high-throughput screening (HTS) assays to assess performance of engineered microbial strains for agricultural applications.  
• Operate laboratory automation to execute efficient, robust, high-throughput workflows. 
• Analyze large data sets and communicate results to stakeholders across teams. 
• Write and follow SOPs to deliver consistent, high-quality results. 
• Collaborate with Computing team to build Benchling workflows for data tracking, dashboards, and reports. 
• Maintain a safe lab environment for yourself and others. 
• Ensure general lab upkeep and equipment maintenance. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in biology, chemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or related field or equivalent related experience. 
• Minimum of 5 years of industry experience, preferably within a high throughput screening (HTS) development and/or HTS operations environment. 
• Strong experience with liquid handling automated equipment and general microtiter plate handling automation. 
• Experience with automated assay screening and operations environments. 
• Experience using chromatography and/or spectrophotometry to quantify cellular readouts. 
• Proficient in data analysis skills and software; ability to draw conclusions and communicate results from large data sets. 
• Excellent oral and verbal communication skills with experience in collaborating in interdisciplinary teams. 
• 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. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience operating and troubleshooting chromatography. 
• Experience using JMP software 
• Experience in statistical process control, 5S, Six Sigma and/or lean manufacturing 

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