Scientist I Strain Engineering

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.

Werelooking for a passionate self-motivated Bacterial Metabolic Engineering Lead who thrives on solving tough biological problems and turning ideas into innovations that work in the field. You will engineer non-model plant-associated bacteria and help deliver the next generation of products to transform the way the world grows food. Ifyoureexcited by big challenges bold science and the chance to improve agriculture on a global scale we want you on our team.

Key Responsibilities

Strain Development & Engineering

• Engineer plant-associated bacterial strains using advanced genome editing and molecular biology approaches.
• Applyexpertisein primary metabolism (carbon nitrogen and energy pathways) to design strategies that improve microbial fitness nutrient exchange and productivityin planta.
• Develop assays to assess genetic changes.
• Develop and adapt genetic tools for non-model host organisms addressing challenges unique to beneficial plant-associated microbes.
• Integrate metabolic knowledge andsystemsbiology insights to design strains that are robust stable and effective in diverse agricultural environments.
• Generateand analyze librariesusingtransposonsdirected evolutionandchemicalmutagenesis.

Scientific Leadership

• Serve as a subject matter expert in microbial physiology primary metabolism and non-model bacterial engineering.
• Executestrain engineering projectsindependentlyfromconcept to validation ensuring alignment with Pivot Bios product pipeline.
• Mentor junior scientists and associates supporting technical and professional development.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Fermentation and Formulation Application and Field teams to ensure engineered strains translate successfully from lab to greenhouse and field conditions.
• Deployengineering tools to support downstream projects on the plant fermentation and formation and field application teams.
• Work closely with the Automation and Assay teams to ensure engineered strains are efficiently and adequately assessed for performance.
• Manage strainlibraryto ensurequality anddistributionto allotherteams.
• Engage with legal and regulatory teams to ensure strain engineering effortssupportintellectual property (IP) strategy and align with regulatory requirements.
• Communicate findings and technical recommendations clearly to diverse stakeholders including leadership and non-technical partners.

Innovation & Knowledge Building

• Stay at the forefront of microbial genetics synthetic biology and plant-microbe symbioses research.
• Contribute to Pivot Bios intellectual property portfolio throughinventiondisclosures and patent filings in close collaboration with legal teams.
• Support regulatory submissions by generating strain-specific data and documentationrequiredfor compliance and product approval.
• Publish or present research findings asappropriate whileprotecting Pivot Bios competitive advantage.

Qualifications

Education:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology Molecular Biology Synthetic Biology Biochemical Engineering or relatedfield

Experience:

• Proventrack recordin microbial strain engineering particularly with non-model plant-associated bacteria.
• Strong foundationin primary metabolism and its role in nutrientutilization energy balance and microbial physiology.
• Experience engineering traits beyond nitrogen fixation such as alternative metabolic pathways relevant to plant growth and stress response.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor team members.

Skills:

• Proficiencyin molecular genetics and microbial physiology.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate metabolic insights into strain improvements.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with diazotrophic (nitrogen-fixing) microbes or other beneficial plant symbionts
• Experiencewithmicrobialphysiologyanda backgroundin microbial-plant nutrient exchange carbon metabolism stress tolerance or metabolite biosynthesis
• Experience with methodologies for quantification (qPCR andvqPCR) and NGS studies (RNAseq Whole Genome Sequencing and gene annotation)
• Experience with metabolic pathway mapping/modeling to guide engineering targetselection
• Exposure and/or experience with acetylene reduction assayFamiliarity with agricultural biotech product development pathways including EPA USDA or international regulatory frameworks for microbial products
• Familiarity with SQL python or R languages
• Experience with Laboratory Inventory Management Systems Benching and Databricks

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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