Fermentation Scientist

About Pivot Bio:

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: Fermentation Scientist, Hayward, CA

We are looking for a Fermentation Scientist who thrives on the challenge of scaling-up fermentations from high throughput platforms through to bench and pilot scale volumes, to ensure success at commercial scale. This is a hands-on position working with a growing team in Bioprocessing and Formulation (B & F) involving operations of fermentation systems and associated downstream biomass recovery processes. If this is you, you will enjoy the satisfaction of being a crucial member of a growing team innovating the most cutting edge products in Ag Biologicals.

Responsibilities:

• Scale-up of prototype formulations from high throughput platforms to bench to pilot fermenter scales.
• Process Development and optimization for high quality biomass in final formulations.
• Process Control and sensor strategy development.
• Recovery of biomass from fermentation using a variety of downstream processes.
• Application of DOE to work flow.
• Developing batch records, collecting, analyzing and reporting data and results.
• Team member of strain selection and formulation development projects
• Microbiological analysis of process streams for quality assurance.

Qualifications and Experience

• PhD in Microbiology , Chemical Engineering, related disciplines
• I ndustrial experience applying fermentation technology preferred
• Demonstrated ability with fermentation and DSP processes
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to manipulate heavy equipment pieces safely in place.
• Experienced with laboratory information management systems.
• Experienced with equipment acquisition and validation.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills with proven ability to thrive in a team environment
• Attention to detail
• Occasionally able to lift 30+ lbs.
• Evening and/or w eekend w ork as workload requires

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