Research Associate II, Fermentation

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 commercial products harness the power of naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops.  We provide new and 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. 

Reporting to the Senior Scientist, Fermentation, the candidate will be responsible for supporting the development of microbial fermentation processes intended to increase product quality and shelf-life, as well as improve nitrogen-use efficiency in cereal crops. An ideal candidate has solid working knowledge of fermentation processes and equipment, including high-throughput, multi-parallel (e.g., Sartorius ambr250), and/or bench-scale fermentation systems. 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. This role will receive guidance on new assignments and independently runs routine procedures within area of specialization. Demonstrates on-time delivery and follow-through. With guidance, capable of designing experiments or developing new assays, procedures, and protocols related to standard SOPs. Executes multiple simultaneous (or temporally interleaved) routine workflows with input on prioritization and troubleshooting. This may include multi-stage workflows that require coordination across a larger team.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Plans and executes experiments with the help of supervisor. 
• Execution of simultaneous, multi-stage lab workflows following detailed SOPs that may require coordination across the broader team
• Performs simple troubleshooting with limited support and more complex troubleshooting with additional guidance
• Drafts SOPs and/or workflow documentation with support
• Uses observations and documentation to perform basic data analysis, including identification of patterns and out-of-spec data
• Adheres to safety and hygiene policies including training compliance 
• Intermediate laboratory knowledge, including some understanding of underlying mechanisms, is used in experiment design, troubleshooting and day–to-day decision making  
• Ability to use common laboratory equipment, for example, pipettes, spectrophotometers, etc
• Familiarity with core fermentation concepts, such as microbial growth rate, mass balance, bioreactor components, and experience with sterile/aseptic technique for handling microbes    
• Understands the principles of experimental controls and can independently QC routine workflow data for common issues
• Maintains excellence in data quality and consistency
• Familiarity with scientific literature, product and equipment manuals, and technical bulletins applied to work in their area
• Solves routine or straightforward problems with minimal support
• Proposes solutions to moderately complex operational issues and proactively identifies workflow improvements
• Participates in coordination of tasks among colleagues and capabilities 
• Begins to apply scientific principles to new work
• Begins independent time management with oversight of manager
• Collaborates within wider capability or department and presents data to broader team 
• Communicates respectfully within and across teams to ensure task coordination and to ask questions to gain knowledge and context
• Shares recommendations with colleagues on SOPs, team workflows and safety procedures both within and outside of immediate team
• Writes reports and/or maintains laboratory data for wider dissemination
• Shares perspective in team meetings; able to provide constructive feedback
• Lab-based work environment 
• Lab and computer-based work including repetitive motion of hands, wrist, fingers 
• Sedentary work that involves sitting/standing for extended periods of time 
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion with assistance 
• Workflows may require extended workdays or working during weekends on occasion 

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a life science, food science, biological systems engineering, biochemical engineering, related field or equivalent experience   
• Minimum of 2 years of prior experience working in a lab environment  
• Experience using standard microbiology lab equipment and techniques 

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

*Internal employees, please apply by clicking on the Internal Job Board icon on NSIDER

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