Senior Research Associate – In vitro Assays

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: Senior Research Associate – Strain Analytics (In vitro Assays)

Location: Berkeley, CA  

We are seeking an experienced and detailed-oriented Senior Research Associate to join our Strain Analytics group. This role is instrumental in identifying targets for strain improvement and predicting strain performance in the field. This candidate will conduct high-throughput assays to assess phenotypic variation and help develop novel assays to scale. They will also provide quantitative data on bacterial physiology and other performance indicators as required. 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.  

  Responsibilities include:  

• Help coordinate a key research pipeline that works across our R&D organization 
• Using biochemical assays, measure N-fixation related activities for a diverse range of microbes under laboratory conditions  
• Equipment calibration and maintenance 
• Developing, scaling, and implementing medium to high throughput lab-based assays  
• Analyzing and communicating data to our collaborating research groups & projects  
• Mentoring & training other researchers  
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders on assay needs  
• Keep detailed records of all experiments  
• Identify opportunities for, and contribute to, ongoing development of internal processes, databases, and LIMS  

Required Skills and Experience:  

• MS in chemistry or biological science or a related field with 2+ years full-time experience (or BS with 4+ years) 
• An 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 microbial physiology and standard microbiology techniques including culturing of non-model bacteria and/or fungi.   
• Proven ability to manage deadlines and multiple ongoing multi-day workflows  
• Experience conducting quantitative instrumental analysis (e.g.: UV-Vis spectroscopy, GC and/or HPLC).   
• Very strong verbal and written communication skills.   
• Data organization and reporting with Microsoft Excel, SpotFire, R, Tableau or similar.  

Desired Skills and Experience:  

• 2+ years experience working in the biotech or pharmaceutical industries 
• A strong understanding of bacterial physiology, biochemistry and metabolism   
• Experience with liquid handling in a lab setting 
• High throughput, plate-based culturing and assay techniques   
• Experience with process development, optimization and automation 
• Experience culturing anaerobic or microaerophilic microbes and/or microbes with unusual nutritional requirements.  
• 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