Pivot Bio is the leading nitrogen innovator providing farmers and the world with a better nitrogen for improved productivity and sustainability
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: Bioprocessing and Formulation Downstream Processing Senior Research Technician
Location: Hayward, California
We are looking for a detail oriented and energetic individual who thrives in a fast-paced industry Pilot Plant setting for Downstream Processing. Reporting to the Scientist, and working in Hayward California, the candidate will be responsible for supporting the bioprocessing and formulation team in Downstream Processing activities. We expect the candidate to thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing research objectives, work within a team, but also follow protocols with minimal oversight. 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:
- Unit operations include centrifugation, tangential flow filtration, spray drying, fluid bed drying, freeze drying, liquid blending and filling operations, grinding, sieving, and
- packaging of prototype liquid and dried microbial products.
- Operate and maintain downstream processing equipment
- Promote the maintenance of an organized pilot plant environment, including an
- organizational system for sample storage
- Execute multiple microbiological assays including viability assays, serial dilution, spread plating, spot plating, colony counting, colony identification
- Maintain large volumes of samples in an organized manner
- Measurement of pH, optical density, osmolarity etc.
- Collect, enter, and analyze data regularly
- Follow SOPs and participate in quality improvement efforts
- Attend R&D meetings
- Maintain lab materials & consumable stock supply
Requirements:
- 2+ years of downstream process experience or equivalent related experience.
- Able to perform physically repetitive tasks like handling of bladders of 20 LB, pipetting and colony counting
- Great communication skills - ability to understand the needs of others and clearly explain ideas
- Strong ability to work independently and ask good questions
- Experience in applying aseptic techniques, gowning requirements, and good documentation practices
- Attention to detail and ability to effectively perform tasks as directed by supervisor
- Able to successfully execute processes in accordance with SOPs with little to no supervision
- Good understanding of research project planning, experimental design, and data collection
- Familiar with sterile/aseptic technique for handling microbes
Experience using:
- Automated Liquid handlers – Biomek, Viaflow, etc.
- Centrifuge
- pH meter
- Osmolarity meter
- Spectrophotometer
- Peristaltic pump & tubing
- DYMO label printer
- Shaking incubator
- Biological safety cabinet
Skills not required but preferred:
- PCR/qPCR experiences
- Digital plate counting
- Environmental monitoring of lab contamination
- Lab hygiene and good practices
- Microscopy
- Able to work 8-hour workdays and 5-day work weeks
- A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle
*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