Senior Research Associate – Microbiology Quality Control – Fermentation and Formulation

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 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 – Microbiology Quality Control – Fermentation and Formulation 

Location - Hayward, CA 

 
We are looking for a detail-oriented and energetic individual for a Senior Research Associate position who thrives in a fast-paced industry lab setting. Reporting to the Senior Scientist, and working primarily in Hayward, California, the candidate will be responsible for supporting the Fermentation and Formulation team in microbiological and chemical analyses of QC samples. In this role you will work closely with collaborators from multiple teams as part of a research pipeline that provides a wide range of viability cell count, qPCR analyses and assay development, DNA extraction, etc. for F&F and pre-manufacturing programs. We are looking for someone who is passionate to creatively solve problems 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. If this is you, you will enjoy the satisfaction of being a crucial member of a growing team innovating the most cutting-edge products in Ag- Biologicals.    

 
Responsibilities: 

• Execute multiple microbiological assays including viability counting, serial dilution, spread plating, spot plating, colony counting, colony identification, and maintain large volumes of samples in an organized manner.  
• qPCR assay development, testing primers, reaction plate setup, troubleshooting and analysis. Optimize and develop various DNA/RNA extraction and qPCR/RT-qPCR methods as needed 
• Measurement of pH, optical density, osmolarity etc. and other chemical parameters as needed 
• Provide and present experimental writeups 
• New assay development and assisting with process automation 

Qualifications and Experience: 

• BS in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or other  
  biological science with 5+ years of full-time laboratory experience or equivalent related experience required 
• Experience with running, optimization and assay development of qPCR experiments, required 
• Experience developing and/or troubleshooting qPCR methods required 
• Experience operating QuantStudio instruments desired 
• Experience with liquid handling robots, especially Biomek and Echo, and qPCR/RT- 
  qPCR equipment desired 
• Comfort with standard molecular biology techniques including DNA/RNA  
  extraction/QC/Quantification, PCR optimization, sterile Technique, and environmental monitoring of contaminants is desired 
• Very strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Experience mentoring and/or training other researchers 
• Data organization and reporting with Microsoft Suite/Sharepoint, LIMS, Asana,  
  Electronic Notebooks, or similar are desired 
• Experience using CEDEX for biological or chemical analyses is desired 
• Experience using Benchling as a project documentation and data management platform is desired 
• Knowledge of fermentation is desired 

 
*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