Scientist I - Fermentation

Pivot Bio is seeking a Scientist I - Fermentation to join their R&D team in Creve Coeur, MO. The role involves developing fermentation bioprocesses for Gram-negative Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, collaborating with downstream process development, and utilizing statistical analysis and data platforms. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field, experience in fermentation process development, and familiarity with data analysis tools. The position is not remote.
About Pivot Bio:  


Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of microbiology, genomics, crop nutrition and agriculture, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in fertilizer technology. Our first commercial product harnesses the power of naturally-occurring microbes, modern gene editing and application technologies to provide nitrogen to crops.  We are dedicated to providing new solutions 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.


Pivot Bio are hiring for a Fermentation Scientist I role to join our fermentation process development team at our new R&D campus in St. Louis, MO. The team is an integral part of Pivot Bio’s Product Innovation organization working closely with the Downstream Process Development Team, as well as other relevant functions at our new R&D campus.  


Reporting to the Principal Scientist of Microbial Fermentation & Downstream Process Development, the preferred candidate will be responsible for the fermentation bioprocess development of a diverse range of Gram-negative Nitrogen fixating bacteria. The department’s key objective is to deliver industrial scalable bioprocesses of live microbial cells maintaining viability and functionality for a variety of product applications and shelf-life conditions. 


 


Core responsibilities:   



Design, execute, and analyze fermentation concepts in accordance with company objectives to solve complex and ambiguous fermentation problems in creative and effective ways. 


Apply design of experiment and statistical data analysis to drive decisions forward. 


Participate in the development of Pivot Bio data platform for automated data processing with software, lab automation, and data science teams. 


Collaborate with the downstream process development function to integrate fermentation process conditions with separation, formulation and drying of live bacteria 

 


Required Skills and Experience:  



Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, or a related field with expertise in fermentation processing of microorganisms, preferably including cell separation and drying unit operations.  


At least 2 years of relevant experience in bench-scale fermentation process development and optimization in an industrial or academic setting preferred 


Expert in Design of Experiment, data analysis, statistical tools, and software relevant to fermentation processes 


Experience using JMP, Spotfire, R, Tableau, or other data visualization and analysis software.  


Experience using SQL for data retrieval, and an understanding of relational databases. 


Strong knowledge of fermentation principles, techniques, and equipment 


Experience in media formulation and fermentation process variables, and process scale-up to at least pilot plant scale. 


Familiarity with development of data platforms for automated data processing with software, automation, and data science teams 


Familiarity with process control systems and automation in fermentation 


Familiarity with use of AI/ML in fermentation process development 

 


Work Authorization:



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

 


#LI-Onsite

All remote positions and those not located in our Berkeley facility are paid based on National Benchmark data.  Following employment, growth beyond the hiring range is possible based on performance.

Hiring Compensation Range$96,000—$120,000 USD
Job posting details for Scientist I - Fermentation at Pivot Bio in Creve Coeur, MO. Compensation / salary range: $96,000—$120,000 USD. ClimateTechList gathers 9,000+ job openings from over 509 climate tech companies and updates them daily.