Research Associate

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 Forbes or PBS News Hour.

Position: Research Associate (Lab Coordinator)

Location:  St. Louis, Missouri

We are looking for a unique talent who excels at both bench work and lab management to join our product development team to characterize our microbial products under real world applications and support general lab needs. This position will have a direct impact on customer satisfaction by assessing microbial viability, metabolic activity, and efficacy under a variety of end user scenarios such as mixing with common ag chemicals, storing under different environmental conditions, and exploring different application modalities.  The incumbent will be responsible for providing high quality data and feedback to our development and channel partners that demonstrates our product durability and contributes to continuous improvement initiatives. This incumbent will serve as a lab coordinator to support housekeeping responsibilities including but not limited to lab ordering, inventory maintenance, waste disposal, etc.

Responsibilities:

• Perform a variety of lab procedures including but not limited to microbial compatibility and viability assays, microbial recovery from complex mixtures, metabolic assays and product quality control testing
• Develop and deploy an array of techniques, tools, and assays to assess different soil-derived microbial viability, root colonization, and in-field metabolic activity
• Deliver routine and time-sensitive projects on time with required standards and documentations
• Run general lab operations necessary to keep the lab run safely and efficiently, including , lab purchase, waste removal, hazardous waste disposal, sample management, lab purchase, safety policies, equipment maintenance, etc.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum of BS degree or equivalent, preferably in Microbiology or a related field.
• 3-5 years of lab experience in Microbiology and molecular biology, with experience in microbial product development preferred. Familiarity with standard microbial viability and recovery assays desired.
• Experience with routine microbial characterization and nucleic acid manipulation, PCR design, and plate-based screening assays required.
• Automation and high throughput experience preferred
• Prior experience with developing or working with biological production for agriculture preferred
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

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