Scientist I/II - 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 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. 

Position: Scientist I/II  - Strain Optimization Team, Berkeley CA 

The Strain Optimization team at Pivot Bio is looking for a dynamic, curious, and self-motivated team member to design, engineer, and validate soil bacteria that will lead to more sustainable agricultural practices. This role will focus on studying and understanding the metabolic and regulatory pathways of non-model microbes using computational and -omics based approaches and applying the learnings to engineer and evaluate microorganisms in a fast-paced, collaborative, and supportive environment. 

The ideal candidate will apply skills in vector design, cloning, strain construction, physiological characterization, and systems biology (‘omics) techniques to investigate microbial physiology and develop bacterial strains for agricultural applications. In addition to designing and leading strain optimization projects, maintaining detailed records, analyzing data, and communicating across teams, the ideal candidate will also contribute to drafting invention disclosures, leading internal and external collaborations, and mentoring junior scientists. This is an exciting role with lots of collaboration and growth opportunities at an extremely supportive, people-oriented, well-funded, late-stage start-up company. 

 Responsibilities: 

• Employ computational and -omics based approaches to investigate microbial regulatory and metabolic pathways in relation to microbial growth and performance in planta.  Design, engineer, and evaluate non-model microbial organisms using established and novel methods.  Provide expert advice and innovative solutions to complex technical issues and help with mentoring and supervising junior scientists.  Participate in project strategy development and implementation, and developing intellectual property.  Communicate plans, results, and conclusions to diverse audiences both verbally and in writing.   

  Qualifications and Experience 

• PhD in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, synthetic biology, biological engineering, or another related field with 2+ additional years of research experience or equivalent related experience.  A proven command of basic molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and strain engineering techniques.  Strong understanding of bacterial physiology and metabolism.  Hands on experience in analysing genome or metagenome sequencing data.  Experience using various analytical equipment such as HPLC, GC-MS, Flow cytometry, plate reader  Advanced computer skills including data capture/visualization as well as management and statistical analysis of complex data sets.   Strong organizational, interpersonal, and  written and verbal communication skills.  Ability to prioritize responsibilities, show flexibility in response to changing priorities and work effectively in a multi-tasking, fast pace, matrix environment. 

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