Research Associate I, Downstream Process Development

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. 

We are looking for a Research Associate I who thrives in fast-paced industry research lab environment and is motivated by Pivot Bio’s mission to provide sustainable, microbial-based solutions for nitrogen delivery to crops. The successful candidate should be willing to learn and support innovation, while maintaining excellent laboratory practices. Reporting to the Downstream Process Development (DSP) manager, the candidate will be responsible for supporting the development of microbial formulations intended to increase product shelf-life and improve nitrogen-use efficiency in cereal crops. Familiarity with downstream processes including drying technologies, seed treatment applications, 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.

Essential functions

• Performs routine, predesigned, or planned tasks or protocols in the lab while learning new skills and expanding their skillset.
• Responsible for routine laboratory operations or execution of specific SOPs with limited supervision.
• May be responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, supplies and reagents.
• Can execute multi-stage workflows with regular input on prioritization and troubleshooting
• Able to follow detailed SOPs.
• Able to communicate professionally with outside capabilities as needed.
• Able to recognize routine errors and troubleshoot with support.
• Documents work performed and observations in a timely, accurate way.
• Awareness and adherence to safety, hygiene, and organizational policies.
• EHS: Keeps up to date with safety trainings. Reports near misses and safety concerns. Conforms to all PPE requirements. Disposes all waste safely and appropriately.
• Collaborate within team and provide input in team meetings.
• Communicates respectfully within and across teams.
• Asks questions to build knowledge and context.
• Shares and communicates plans requiring resources and equipment from other teams.
• May present data or workflow development with support primarily within the immediate team/department.

Competencies

• Basic laboratory knowledge such as use of common equipment, (for example: pipetting, PCRs, aseptic technique, etc.)
• Able to revise and draft routine protocols.
• Performs routine data tasks including data entry and data QC.
• Performs well defined work with limited problem-solving required.
• Daily work requires some specialized knowledge or skills.
• Can begin to identify how their work fits into the wider team and apply knowledge to different situations.
• Observes and reports unexpected research and operations events to supervisors or more senior staff.
• May propose and enact solutions to operational issues or inefficiencies.

Physical demands:

• This is a laboratory-based position
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers 
• Communicating with others to exchange information 
• Occasionally perform physically repetitive tasks like pipetting, sample weighing, seed treatment, and sample packaging 
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds 
• Able to work 8-hour workdays and 5-day work weeks

Required education and experience

• Bachelor of science degree in life sciences, food science, biological systems engineering, biochemical engineering, or related field or equivalent experience
• 1 year of experience in a fast-paced industry research lab environment 
• Experience with sterile/aseptic technique for handling microbes
• Comfortable with standard microbiology techniques, including CFU/viability plating and cell counting
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently, ask good questions, and recognize anomalies
• Attention to detail, skilled in making observations and documenting anomalies
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills
• Can-do attitude, strong problem solving, and troubleshooting skills

 Work authorization/security clearance requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the United States 

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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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