Research Associate II - Fermentation

Overview

Pivot Bio is pioneering advances in fertilizer technology using naturally-occurring microbes, modern gene editing, and application technologies to provide nitrogen to crops. We are dedicated to helping farmers improve yield and feed the world’s growing population. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour.

Pivot Bio are hiring for a Research Associate II role to join our fermentation process development team at our new R&D campus in St. Louis, MO. The team works closely with the Fermentation Process Development Team and other relevant functions at our new R&D campus. The candidate should be willing to learn and support innovation while maintaining excellent laboratory practices. Reporting to the Principal Scientist, Fermentation, the candidate will support the development of microbial fermentation processes to increase product quality and shelf-life and improve nitrogen-use efficiency in cereal crops.

An ideal candidate has solid working knowledge of fermentation processes and equipment, including high-throughput, multiparallel systems (e.g., Sartorius ambr
250) and/or bench-scale fermentation. Familiarity with centrifugation and/or tangential flow filtration (TFF) systems, laboratory automation, and LIMS systems is a plus. The candidate should have a working knowledge of microbiology and chemistry, an eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with changing research objectives.

• Working in a fermentation and downstream laboratory setting with minimal supervision
• Handling inoculation material, media, and samples for analysis; handing off end of fermentation samples for live cells separation, drying, and on-seed application
• Operate and maintain lab-scale processing equipment, including fermenters and viable count automation systems
• Plate and count microbes using aseptic technique, automated dilution and counting methods
• Collect, enter, and analyze downstream data in LIMS systems
• Attend and present data in R&D meetings

• Bachelor of Science degree in life sciences, food science, biological systems engineering, biochemical engineering, or related field or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a fast-paced industry fermentation and downstream lab environment
• Working knowledge of fermentation processes and equipment, including high-throughput, multiparallel systems (e.g., Sartorius ambr
  250); familiarity with centrifugation and/or tangential flow filtration (TFF) systems, laboratory automation, and LIMS systems is a plus
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently, ask good questions, and recognize anomalies
• Attention to detail, skilled in making observations and documenting anomalies
• Can-do attitude, strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills
• Open mind for learning and contributing across fermentation and downstream process development

• Must be authorized to work in the United States

• Sales Incentive Bonus Plan
• 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

All remote positions and those not located in our Berkeley facility are paid based on National Benchmark data. Following employment, growth beyond the hiring range is possible based on performance.

Hiring Compensation Range: $64,000—$80,000 USD