Research Associate – Strain Optimization Team
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.
Research Associate – Strain Optimization Team
RA I/ RA II/ or Senior RA based on years of experience
Location: Berkeley CA
The Strain Optimization team at Pivot Bio is looking for a dynamic and motivated team member who likes tinkering with microbes and putting them into good use. This role will be instrumental in designing bacterial strains that will lead to more sustainable agricultural practices. Besides having fun using various techniques to engineer non-model microorganisms, this position will give ample opportunity for learning in vitro and in planta analytical methods to make sense of the microbe and plant interactions in a fast-pace, collaborative, and supportive start-up environment.
Responsibilities:
- Engineer non-model microbial organisms using established SOPs.
- Troubleshoot and improve strain optimization protocols to adapt to novel microbes.
- Collaborate with Analytics and Plant teams for testing modified strains.
- Analyze and report data in a timely manner with multiple groups within the company.
- Conduct experiments both independently and under the guidance of Strain Optimization scientists.
- Keep abreast of the current literature and bring creative ideas to contribute to strain optimization efforts.
Qualifications and Experience
Title Based on Experience:
- Research Associate I/IIResearch Associate I - BA/BS in biological sciences, plant biology, biotechnology, or related field with 2+ years of full time experience, or AS/AA with 4+ years of full time experience, or equivalent related experience
- Senior Research Associate:MS in biological sciences or related field, with 2 years of experience in a molecular biology and/or microbiology laboratory or BS in biological sciences or a related field, with 4+ years of experience in a molecular biology and/or microbiology laboratory or equivalent relevant experience.
- A proven command of basic molecular biology techniques, such as nucleic acid extractions, PCR, and common plasmid assembly techniques.
- Experience using software for DNA assembly and sequence analysis.
- Experience with bacterial culturing and transformation and strong understanding of bacterial growth and metabolism.
- A proven ability to carry out experiments with careful planning and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Data organization and reporting with Microsoft Excel, SpotFire, Tableau or R
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