Scientist I - 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 Fermentation Scientist I 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 Downstream Process Development Team, as well as other relevant functions at our new R&D campus.  

Reporting to the Principal Scientist of Microbial Fermentation & Downstream Process Development, the preferred candidate will be responsible for the fermentation bioprocess development of a diverse range of Gram-negative Nitrogen fixating bacteria. The department’s key objective is to deliver industrial scalable bioprocesses of live microbial cells maintaining viability and functionality for a variety of product applications and shelf-life conditions. 

Core responsibilities:   

• Design, execute, and analyze fermentation concepts in accordance with company objectives to solve complex and ambiguous fermentation problems in creative and effective ways. 

• Apply design of experiment and statistical data analysis to drive decisions forward. 

• Participate in the development of Pivot Bio data platform for automated data processing with software, lab automation, and data science teams. 

• Collaborate with the downstream process development function to integrate fermentation process conditions with separation, formulation and drying of live bacteria 

Required Skills and Experience:  

• Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, or a related field with expertise in fermentation processing of microorganisms, preferably including cell separation and drying unit operations.  

• At least 2 years of relevant experience in bench-scale fermentation process development and optimization in an industrial or academic setting preferred 

• Expert in Design of Experiment, data analysis, statistical tools, and software relevant to fermentation processes 

• Experience using JMP, Spotfire, R, Tableau, or other data visualization and analysis software.  

• Experience using SQL for data retrieval, and an understanding of relational databases. 

• Strong knowledge of fermentation principles, techniques, and equipment 

• Experience in media formulation and fermentation process variables, and process scale-up to at least pilot plant scale. 

• Familiarity with development of data platforms for automated data processing with software, automation, and data science teams 

• Familiarity with process control systems and automation in fermentation 

• Familiarity with use of AI/ML in fermentation 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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