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 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 OneZero or CNN.

 Position:  Senior Research Associate

Location:  St. Louis, Missouri 

We are looking for a highly experienced scientist to join our product development team to characterize our microbial products under real world applications. This position will have a direct impact on customer satisfaction by assessing microbial viability, metabolic activity, and efficacy under a variety of end user scenarios such as mixing with common ag chemicals, storing under different environmental conditions, and exploring different application modalities.  The incumbent will be responsible for providing high quality data and feedback to our development and channel partners that demonstrates our products’ durability and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives.

As a critical part of a newly formed team, this role will balance running standard, time-critical protocols as well as working on projects to develop new methods and assays. The ability to juggle multiple tasks ranging in complexity from highly routine to more loosely defined projects is also crucial.

Responsibilities:

• Perform a variety of lab procedures including but not limited to microbial compatibility and viability assays, metabolic assays and product quality control testing.
• Deliver routine and time-sensitive projects on time with required standards and documentations.
• Develop and deploy an array of techniques, tools, and assays to assess different soil-derived microbial viability, root colonization, and in-field metabolic activity.
• Develop high throughput screening assays by leveraging automation and liquid handling equipment.
• Design experiments and projects to support team goals for product development.
• Provide technique guidance for junior lab staff.
• Provide supports for general lab operations.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum of MS degree or equivalent, preferably in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related field. D. degree preferred.
• More than 5 years of lab experience in microbiology and molecular biology, familiarity with routine microbial characterization and nucleic acid manipulation, qPCR design, and plate-based screening assays required.
• Experience with microbial product development and seed treatment with biologicals desired.
• Working knowledge of analytical instrumentation such as HPLC desired.
• Automation and high throughput experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

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