Senior Research Associate – Downstream Process Development

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.

Pivot Bio are hiring for aSeniorResearch Associaterole to join our downstream process development team at our new R&D campus in St. Louis MO. The team is an integral part of Pivot Bios 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 supportinnovationwhilemaintainingexcellent laboratory practices.

Reporting to the formulation scientistIII downstream the candidate willbe responsible forsupporting the downstreamprocessesdevelopment intended to increase product quality and shelflife andimprove nitrogen-use efficiency in selected crops. Prior experience with drying technologies including freeze drying and spray drying is arequirement. The candidate should havea strong foundationin chemistry a working knowledge of microbiology an eye for detail skill with troubleshooting laboratory equipment and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Familiarity with fermentation systems laboratory automation and LIMS systems are a plus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plans and executesand iteratesroutine downstreamlaboratory separation formulationdrying- and on-seedexperimentsindependently.
• Independently executes routine data analysis and presents datatothe project teams.
• Develops solid new hypothesesfor improvedshelf lifeof live microbesin discussion with more experienced colleagues.
• Contributes todownstreamresearch project proposals complex experiment designsandtactical research decisions.
• Oversees workflows or experiment typescommunicates resultsand collaborates withrelevant functions within product Innovation.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in life sciences food science biological systems engineering biochemical engineering or related field or equivalent experience
• Minimum of4years of experience in a fast-paced industry downstreamor fermentationlab environment
• Experience with downstream process development of biologicals preferablyexpertisein separationtechnologies formulationmethodologies and drying technologiesof live microbes.
• Experience with LIMS system for documenting and analyzing data
• Familiarity with fermentation systemsandlaboratory automation 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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