Research Associate I – Microbial Lab

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.

This position will have a direct impact on microbial product development by assessingmicrobialviability of various microbesand/orformulations when applied to seed or soils.A key responsibilityofthis position will beto supportresearch and commercial projects inthedevelopment and implementationoflaboratory methods.

This role is onsite at our St Louis MO (Creve Coeur) location.

Essential functions

• Technicallaboratorysupportforformulation development and application research.
• Testing ofon-seed microbial viabilityfor various applications and seed types
• Testingfor microbialcompatibilitywith various crop protectionproductsresearchand commercial application quality.
• Technical support in thedevelopmentand validationofmicrobial enumeration methodsseed sampling methods data analysisand reportingof results.
• Providing updates summariesand recommendationsregardingApplication R&D project status.

Knowledge &Application

• Experience and/or awareness of project management tools such as ASANA.
• Proficientin microbial laboratory technics and methods including liquid handling equipment microbial enumerationand qPCR methods.
• Excellent research acumen to perform the following: experimental design statistical analysis protocol development execution and summarization of results.

Collaboration & Interaction

• Excellent communication skills are both written and verbal.
• Collaborate with internal teams including product development fermentation and formulation and research in the development and execution of protocols.

Work Environment

• Professional workingproficiencyin Englishrequiredfor meetings written documentation and cross-functionalcollaboration.
• Ability to occasionally lift or team-lift 10to 50 lbs
• Ability to work both in the lab and on the computer for prolonged periods of time.

Required Education & Experience

• Minimum ofBSdegree or equivalent preferably inmicrobiology or a related field.
• 2years of lab experience inmicrobiology and molecular biologyrequired. Practical experience with standard microbial quantification recovery assays routine microbial characterization with tools/instruments nucleic acid manipulation PCR design and plate-based screening assaysrequired.
• High throughput experience including but not limited to automation with liquid handlers and scaleup process development desired.
• Familiarity with data and programing tools preferred.
• Prior experience working in a microbiology testing lab a QC lab (statistical reliability) or similar laboratory environment is beneficial.
• Detail-oriented and results driven with agreeable personality and great people skills.

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

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