Scientist III – Bacterial Metabolic Engineering Lead

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.

We're looking for a passionate, self-motivated Bacterial Metabolic Engineering Lead who thrives on solving tough biological problems and turning ideas into innovations that work in the field. You will engineer non-model, plant-associated bacteria and help deliver the next generation of products to transform the way the world grows food. If you're excited by big challenges, bold science, and the chance to improve agriculture on a global scale, we want you on our team.

Key Responsibilities
Strain Development & Engineering

• Engineer plant-associated bacterial strains using advanced genome editing and molecular biology approaches.
• Apply expertise in primary metabolism (carbon, nitrogen, and energy pathways) to design strategies that improve microbial fitness, nutrient exchange, and productivity in planta.
• Develop assays to assess genetic changes.
• Develop and adapt genetic tools for non-model host organisms, addressing challenges unique to beneficial plant-associated microbes.
• Integrate metabolic knowledge and systems biology insights to design strains that are robust, stable, and effective in diverse agricultural environments.

Scientific Leadership

• Serve as a subject matter expert in microbial physiology, primary metabolism, and non-model bacterial engineering.
• Lead independent strain engineering projects from concept to validation, ensuring alignment with Pivot Bio's product pipeline.
• Mentor junior scientists and associates, supporting technical and professional development.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Fermentation and Formulation, Application, and Field teams to ensure engineered strains translate successfully from lab to greenhouse and field conditions.
• Deploy engineering tools to support downstream projects on the plant, fermentation and formation, and field application teams.
• Work closely with the Automation and Assay teams to ensure engineered strains are efficiently and adequately assessed for performance.
• Engage with legal and regulatory teams to ensure strain engineering efforts support intellectual property (IP) strategy and align with regulatory requirements.
• Communicate findings and technical recommendations clearly to diverse stakeholders, including leadership and non-technical partners.

Innovation & Knowledge Building

• Stay at the forefront of microbial genetics, synthetic biology, and plant-microbe symbioses research.
• Contribute to Pivot Bio's intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures and patent filings, in close collaboration with legal teams.
• Support regulatory submissions by generating strain-specific data and documentation required for compliance and product approval.
• Publish or present research findings as appropriate while protecting Pivot Bio's competitive advantage.

Qualifications
Education:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Biochemical Engineering, or related field with 4+ years of post-doctoral or industry experience

Experience:

• Proven track record in microbial strain engineering, particularly with non-model, plant-associated bacteria.
• Strong foundation in primary metabolism and its role in nutrient utilization, energy balance, and microbial physiology.
• Experience engineering traits beyond nitrogen fixation, such as alternative metabolic pathways relevant to plant growth and stress response.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor team members.

Skills:

• Proficiency in molecular genetics and microbial physiology.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate metabolic insights into strain improvements.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with diazotrophic (nitrogen-fixing) microbes or other beneficial plant symbionts
• Background in microbial-plant nutrient exchange, carbon metabolism, stress tolerance, or metabolite biosynthesis
• Experience with methodologies for quantification (qPCR and vqPCR) and NGS studies (RNAseq, Whole Genome Sequencing and gene annotation)
• Experience with metabolic pathway mapping/modeling to guide engineering target selection
• Exposure and/or experience with acetylene reduction assay
• Experience with aseptic technique and best laboratory practices
• Demonstrated contributions to patents, publications, or commercial strain development.
• Experience engaging with legal and regulatory functions to support IP protection and/or regulatory submissions.
• Familiarity with agricultural biotech product development pathways, including EPA, USDA, or international regulatory frameworks for microbial products
• Familiarity with SQL, python, or R languages
• Experience with Laboratory Inventory Management Systems, Benching and Databricks

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

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

$121,600—$152,000 USD