Research Associate II - Fermentation

About Pivot Bio:  

Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of microbiology, genomics, crop nutrition and agriculture, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in fertilizer technology. Our first commercial product harnesses the power of naturally-occurring microbes, modern gene editing and application technologies to provide nitrogen to crops.  We are dedicated to providing new solutions 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.

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 is an integral part of Pivot Bio’s Product Innovation organization working closely with the Fermentation Process Development Team, as well as other relevant functions at our new R&D campus. The successful candidate should be willing to learn and support innovation, while maintaining excellent laboratory practices.    

Reporting to the Principal Scientist, Fermentation, the candidate will be responsible for supporting the development of microbial fermentation processes intended 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 (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.   

Key Responsibilities:  

• 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   

 Required Education & Experience   

• 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 (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. 
• 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 

Work Authorization:

• Must be authorized to work in the United States  

What We Offer: 

• 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

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