Fermentation Scientist III
Fermentation Scientist III
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Job Description
About Pivot Bio:
Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of microbiology genomics crop nutrition and agriculture Pivot Bio is pioneering gamechanging advances in fertilizer technology. Our first commercial product harnesses the power of naturallyoccurring 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 worlds growing population. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio onForbesorPBS News Hour.
Pivot Bio is seeking an experienced Fermentation Scientist III to help tackle one of agricultures most pressing challenges: Reducing synthetic nitrogen use through innovative biological nitrogenfixing alternatives. Reporting to the Senior Scientist Fermentation the candidate will be responsible for development of industrially scalable fermentation processes for a diverse range of Gramnegative nitrogenfixing bacteria with an aim of improving product quality and shelflife reducing manufacturing cost as well as enhancing nitrogenuse efficiency in cereal crops.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leads the development of industrially scalable and costeffective fermentation protocols for production of nonmodel nitrogenfixing soil bacteria.
- Manages the development optimization and handson operation of Pivot Bios fermentation process development platform in service of mapping growth space of our microbes designing scalable fermentation processes for current product and new candidate strains and supporting continuous improvement initiatives involving fermentation.
- Mentors coaches and provides direction to junior members of the Fermentation and Formulation teams.
- Works crossfunctionally with highthroughput screening downstream process development manufacturing and other relevant teams to design and validate streamlined bioprocesses for delivering highquality microbes from fermenter to field.
- Works with the Scientific Computing and Data Science teams and LIMS powerusers to ensure alignment with best practices in data stewardship transparency and statistical rigor.
- Applies technical fermentation expertise in accordance with company objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways. Independently identifies opportunities for improvement and driving innovation in the Fermentation and Formulation department and beyond.
- Acts as a TPL (Technical Project Lead) or highimpact IC (Independent Contributor) responsible for high complexity and high priority projects.
- Works within Environmental Health & Safety guidelines and identifies and leads implementation of opportunities for improvement.
Required Education & Experience:
- Ph.D. in Systems Biology Biotechnology Bioengineering Chemical Engineering Microbiology or a related field and at least 5 years of relevant experience in benchscale fermentation process development and optimization in an industrial or academic setting.
- Experience with fermentationderived biological plant stimulants and/or crop protectants is a plus.
- Extensive experience with operation maintenance and troubleshooting of fermentation equipment including highthroughput multiparallel (e.g. Sartorius ambr250 and benchscale systems preferably from multiple vendors.
- Demonstrated experience with optimizing cultivation conditions (batch fedbatch continuous) media formulation feedback and feedforward process control with focus on highviability biomass production. Experience with fermentation process scaleup and related key concepts is a plus.
- Solid grasp of microbial physiology and metabolism (esp. that of Gramnegative bacteria) as it pertains to fermentation process development and optimization.
- Familiarity with biomass concentration (centrifugation and/or tangential flow filtration) and drying technologies (spray and/or freezedrying) as well as laboratory automation (robotics) systems is an asset.
- Proficiency in statistical data analysis and data visualization; working knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and databases is an asset.
- Experience applying Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology and multivariable data analysis (MVDA) tools to data spanning both fermentation and downstream processing steps.
- Strong organizational skills including an ability to contribute to multiple projects in parallel and navigating changing R&D priorities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Travel:
- Occasional travel (up to 10 to collaborate with thirdparty partners (CROs and CMOs) and attend offsite meetings.
What we offer:
- Work that makes an impact on food sustainability and climate change
- Competitive package in a disruptive startup
- Stock options
- Health/Dental/Vision insurance with employerpaid 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
#LIOnsite
The salary range for this Berkeley CA based position incorporates a premium for the cost of labor in this area. If this role is hired remotely contact us for the lower range for National Benchmark. Following employment growth beyond the hiring range is possible based on performance.
Employment Type
Full Time
