Senior Media Scientist (Media and Buffer Prep)

Company Description: 

Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of the soil microbiome, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in agriculture.  Our first commercial product harnesses the power of naturally-occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops.  We are dedicated to providing new sustainable ways for farmers to improve yield as they work to help feed the world’s growing population.  Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on OneZero or CNN.

Position: (Insert Title), Preferred location:  (Insert Location)

We are looking for a Senior Media Scientist who will champion innovation and practical process improvement in the laboratory by driving excellence in the Media Sciences program through right-the-first-time preparation of custom media formulations, continuous improvement projects, compliance adherence, safe lab techniques, workload scheduling and client satisfaction.  We seek a professional well-versed in the oversight of lab processes.  One who will play a key supervisory role within the LabOps team, while working with a team of technicians performing media and buffer operations for Research and Development.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the performance of media prep staff at multiple Bay Area sites by designing and setting up new and existing media prep facilities, optimizing workflows for high throughput, creating batch records and SOPS for new media recipes, and drafting and revising more complex documents (e.g. media request procedures (MRPs), laboratory procedures, work instructions, SOP documents)
• Work with researchers to develop and optimize new media recipes, perform verification/approval of peer calculations
• Execute tasks associated with media and buffer preparation operations (e.g. complex calculations, aseptic technique, chemical inventory, troubleshooting, dilutions, microbial agar plates, pH titration, and conductivity).
• Performs the weighing dispensing of raw materials for media and buffer prep, filtration, labeling and transfer of product
• Provide general guidance and technical expertise to peers and clients
• Follows established safety and environmental guidelines and procedures for all work performed
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Supervisor

Qualifications and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in a scientific discipline (Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology or related field)
• 3-5 years of laboratory experience (experience in a supervisory/team lead role preferred)
• High level of attention to detail in both operations and documentation
• Safety acumen and ability to maintain a compliant, highly effective and efficient product environment
• Ability to prioritize project assignments, to meet deadlines, be flexible in workload priorities, and to recognize and accurately report problems
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills with proven ability to thrive in a team environment
• Proven excellent in customer service and ability to problem-solve and make decisions
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint)
• Working conditions include extensive walking/standing, ability to lift, push and pull up to 35 pounds consistently, and ability to work with carcinogenic, mutagenic, and irritant classified chemicals
• Must be comfortable working at multiple sites and remotely as needed 

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