Research Associate II, Downstream

Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of the soil microbiome, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in agriculture. Our commercial products harness the power of naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops. We provide new and 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.  

We are looking for a Research Associate II who thrives in fast-paced industry research lab environment and is motivated by Pivot Bio’s mission to provide sustainable, microbial-based solutions for nitrogen delivery to crops. The successful candidate should be willing to learn and support innovation, while maintaining excellent laboratory practices.  

Reporting to the Scientist III, Downstream, the candidate will be responsible for supporting the development of microbial downstream processes intended to increase product quality and shelf-life, and improve nitrogen-use efficiency in cereal crops. An ideal candidate has solid working knowledge of downstream processes and equipment, including disc-stack centrifuge, Tangential Flow Filtration system, freeze-dryer and spray-dryer systems. Familiarity with fermentation systems, laboratory automation, and LIMS systems is a plus. The candidate should have a working knowledge of microbiology and chemistry, an eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with changing research objectives. 

Essential functions 

• Using previously acquired skills independently executes day-to-day work, with minimal supervision. 

• Provides input on experiment design and/or operational processes. 

• May be responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, supplies and reagents.  

• Can execute multi-stage workflows with limited input on prioritization and troubleshooting. 

• Able to follow detailed SOPs.  

• Able to recognize errors and troubleshoot with limited support.  

• Documents of work performed and observations in a timely, accurate way.  

• Communicates results within the team and across capabilities as needed. 

• Awareness and adherence to safety, hygiene, and organizational policies.  

• EHS: Keeps up to date with safety training. Reports near misses and safety concerns. Conforms to all PPE requirements. Disposes all waste safely and appropriately.  

Competencies  

• Knowledge & Application 

• Basic laboratory knowledge such as the use of common equipment, for example: pipetting, spectrophotometers, aseptic techniques, etc.)  

• Able to revise and draft routine protocols.  

• Some familiarity with core downstream concepts, such cell separation, and cell drying systems, etc. 

• Performs routine data tasks including data entry and data QC.  

• Complexity & Problem Solving  

• Performs well defined work with occasional problem-solving required.  

• Daily work requires some specialized knowledge or skills.  

• Identifies how their work fits into the wider team and apply knowledge to different situations.  

• Observes and reports unexpected research and operations events to supervisors or more senior staff.  

• May propose and enact solutions to operational issues or inefficiencies.  

• Collaboration & Interaction 

• Collaborate within the team provides input in team meetings.  

• Communicates respectfully within and across teams.  

• Ask questions to build knowledge and context.  

• Shares and communicates plans requiring resources and equipment from other teams.  

• May present data or workflow development with support primarily within the immediate team/department. 

• May train colleagues within and outside the immediate team. 

Supervisory responsibilities: Limited to training and task coordination 

Physical demands: 

• This is a laboratory-based position  

• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers  

• Communicating with others to exchange information  

• Occasionally perform physically repetitive tasks like pipetting, sample weighing, and liquid transfers. 

• Occasionally lift 30+ pounds  

• Workflows may require extended workdays or working during weekends on occasion 

Travel required:  N/A 

Required education and experience 

• Bachelor of science degree in life sciences, food science, biological systems engineering, biochemical engineering, or related field or equivalent experience  

• 2-5 years of experience in a fast-paced industry research lab environment  

• Experience with sterile/aseptic technique for handling microbes  

• Comfortable with standard microbiology techniques, including CFU/viability plating and cell counting 

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently, ask good questions, and recognize anomalies 

• Attention to detail, skilled in making observations and documenting anomalies 

• Can-do attitude, strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills 

Work authorization/security clearance requirements 

• Must be authorized to work in the United States  

Other duties 

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.