Scientist I - Microbial Engineering

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 products harness the power of naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops and new sustainable ways for farmers to reduce the usage of fertilizers as they work to help feed the world’s growing population.

Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour. 

Position: Scientist I - Microbial Engineering
Location: Boston, MA 

Our team at Pivot Bio located in the Greater Boston area is looking for a team member who wants to bring agricultural innovations by realizing the potential of soil microbes. The position will conduct experiments in the lab as well as analyze datasets using computational and statistical approaches. This position presents unique opportunities to genetically engineer and massively screen diverse soil microbes with molecular approaches offered by synthetic biology and laboratory evolution, implementing innovative ideas for environmentally sustainable agricultural practices in a real-world setting. 

Responsibilities: 

• Engineer soil microbes via rational and evolutionary methodologies.  
• Identify and optimize genetic tools for diverse microbes with genome-wide screening and sequencing.  
• Design and implement genetic systems to analyze bioproducts in non-model microbial hosts in a high-throughput manner.  
• Independently troubleshoot specific problems that can arise during execution and propose solutions and improved experimental plans.  
• Communicate and collaborate with larger team members in varied scientific and technical roles.  
• Manage and mentor a research associate with variable backgrounds.  

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in bioengineering, microbiology, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, systems biology, or other relevant fields. 
• Motivated by a strong curiosity to explore and engineer microbes in the context of plant-microbe interactions.  
• Experience with omics technologies (e.g, Tn-seq, Sort-seq or RNA-seq) and data analysis techniques.  
• Experience with high-throughput analysis of microbial cell libraries with a focus on specific functional traits.  
• Good understanding of microbial evolution. 
• Good understanding of rational and evolutionary engineering.  
• Experience with metabolically diverse microbes a plus.  
• Attention to detail and ability to effectively perform tasks as directed by supervisor or according to an SOP. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

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