Senior Research Associate
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Job Location:
St. Louis, MO - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
09-11-2025
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
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 ofnaturally-occurringmicrobes modern gene editing and application technologies to provide nitrogen to crops. Weare dedicated to providingnew solutionsfor farmers to improve yield as they work to help feed the worlds growing population. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio onForbesorPBS News Hour.
The Discovery and Translational Research (DTR) team at Pivot Bio is seeking a Senior Research Associate Molecular Biology to advance our molecular capabilities and help translate microbial research into practical agricultural solutions. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment takinginitiativetoestablishand refine molecular workflows organize lab operations and ensure equipment and processes areoptimizedfor for a detail-oriented and collaborativeindividualwho values precision reproducibility and continuous improvement in a fast-paced mission-driven environment.
CoreResponsibilities:
- Designoptimize and execute quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays for copy number analysis and absolute quantification.
- Design andvalidateprimers for diverse molecular applications.
- Prepare high-quality DNA libraries for Illumina sequencing ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.
- Perform nucleic acid extraction quantification and quality assessment to support downstream molecular workflows.
- Collaborate with scientists to troubleshoot and refine molecular protocols.
- Document experiments analyze data and present findings to project teams.
- Maintain lab organization manage supplies and ensure proper operation of molecular biology equipment.
- Contribute to process optimization and development of robust scalable molecular workflows.
MinimumQualifications:
- Bachelorsdegree in Molecular Biology Biotechnology ora relatedfield.
- 4 years of hands-on experience in a molecular biology lab (industry experience preferred).
- Demonstratedexpertisein:
- qPCR assay design and execution.
- Primer design for PCR-based applications.
- Illumina library preparation.
- DNA/RNA extraction and purification.
- PCR optimization including multiplex PCR.
- Fragment and library QC methods (BioanalyzerTapeStation Qubit fluorometric quantification).
- Experienceoperatingliquid-handlingsystems ( Hamilton Tecan)orsupporting automatedmolecular workflows.
- Excellent attention to detail record-keeping and communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to adapt to evolving research priorities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Illumina sequencing platforms (MiSeqNextSeq orNovaSeq).
- Experience with Oxford Nanopore sequencing workflows.
- Familiarity with NGS data quality assessment and troubleshooting.
- Skills that enable lab build-out and operations such as equipmentselection workflow setup and implementing best practices for lab safety and efficiency.
- Previousexperience in rapidly growing or newly established R&D environments.
Must Be Authorized to Work in the United States
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
#LI-Onsite
All remote positions and those not located in our Berkeley facility are paid based on National Benchmark data. Following employment growth beyond the hiring range is possible based on performance.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
Key Skills
- Laboratory Experience
- Immunoassays
- Mammalian Cell Culture
- PCR
- Biochemistry
- Assays
- Cell Biology
- Research Experience
- Cell Culture
- Molecular Biology
- Flow Cytometry
- Western Blot
About Company
Pivot Bio is solving agriculture’s biggest challenge – delivering nitrogen to plants to feed a growing population without the negative impacts of synthetic fertilizer or compromising on yield.
