---
title: 'Research Associate II, Downstream at Pivot Bio'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/research-associate-ii-downstream-pivot-bio-creve-coeur-3pbya6sbkrrp'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-07'
---

# Research Associate II, Downstream at Pivot Bio

- **Company:** Pivot Bio
- **Location:** Creve Coeur, MO
- **Compensation:** $64k–$80k
- **Posted:** 2026-09-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07
- **Apply:** https://www.pivotbio.com/job-description?gh_jid=8779073002

## Job 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. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio onhttps://onezero.medium.com/how-microbes-could-upend-americas-toxic-dependence-on-nitrogen-fertilizer-548451117a63[Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/amyfeldman/2021/07/19/pivot-bio-nears-2-billion-valuation-as-it-raises-whopping-430-million-to-replace-synthetic-fertilizers-on-corn-and-wheat-sustainability/?sh=6eb68bf12273) or [PBS News Hour.](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/agriculture-emits-a-forgotten-greenhouse-gas-scientists-are-looking-for-solutions-in-the-soil)

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. Hiring Compensation Range $64,000—$80,000 USD

## About Pivot Bio

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Pivot Bio develops proprietary microbial nitrogen products that replace synthetic nitrogen fertilizers by enabling crops to fix atmospheric nitrogen directly on the root, improving farmer profitability and sustainability.
- **Entity Type**: Private (venture-backed)
- **Headquarters**: Wayzata, Minnesota, USA (corporate office); additional hubs in California, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, and an office in Brazil.
- **Founded**: 2010
- **Founders**: Karsten Temme, Ph.D. and Alvin Tamsir, Ph.D.

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Agricultural biotechnology / Crop nutrition
- **Target customers**: B2B – farmers growing corn, wheat, sorghum, barley, millet, oats, sunflower, and corn silage.
- **Mission / purpose**: To solve agriculture’s biggest challenge – sustainably nourish the world’s most vital crops, drive farmer ROI, and protect soil, air, and water.

## Products & Services
- **PROVEN® 40**: Microbial nitrogen for corn that replaces up to 40 pounds per acre of traditional synthetic nitrogen without compromising yield. Delivers steady nutrition at the plant root all season long.
- **RETURN®**: Microbial nitrogen for small grains (sorghum, barley, millet, oats, sunflower) and wheat (spring and winter), providing predictable nutrition and greater ROI.
- **N-OVATOR™ Program**: Rewards farmers who use microbial nitrogen by partnering them with organizations looking to reduce on-farm emissions. Over $6 million paid to farmers since 2022.
- **Technology platform**: Gene-edited microbes that convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia directly on the plant’s root system, ensuring nitrogen is available when and where the plant needs it.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Over 1,050,000 metric tons of CO₂e avoided since 2022 (from reduced synthetic fertilizer use); N-OVATOR program has paid over $6 million to farmers.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Not explicitly listed in provided sources (likely includes venture capital firms; no specific names available from the search results).
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Named to TIME’s 200 Best Inventions list for two consecutive years.
  - Recognized as one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2024.
  - University of Illinois study (Jan 2025) confirmed unique mode of action.
  - Expanding internationally with an office in Brazil.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Unique mode of action**: Only microbes on the market that turn atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia directly on the plant root – a breakthrough in biological nitrogen fixation.
- **Gene-edited strains** designed to work with existing crop nutrition programs, integrating seamlessly into farmer operations.
- **Proven yield performance**: Can replace up to 40 lbs/acre of synthetic nitrogen without yield loss; delivers more tonnage per acre for corn silage.
- **Environmental differentiation**: Directly reduces nitrous oxide emissions and nitrogen runoff, creating a clear sustainability value proposition for farmers and corporate partners.

## Strategic Focus
- **International expansion**: Growing presence in Brazil and other global markets.
- **Partnerships & corporate development**: Expanding the N-OVATOR program and working with organizations to reduce on-farm emissions.
- **Continuous innovation**: Investing in R&D to develop new microbial strains and applications for additional crops.
- **Scaling manufacturing and supply chain**: Led by Chief Supply Chain Officer Balaji Venkataraman to ensure product delivery at scale.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Values openness, creative problem-solving, fearlessness, agility, and mutual inspiration. Employees are encouraged to debate, take risks, and challenge convention.
- **Flexible work environment**: “Flexible work environment” and unlimited PTO.
- **Benefits**: Stock options, comprehensive medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with employer match, yearly personal and professional development stipend.
- **Growth**: Rapidly scaling company with a clear mission – employees have the opportunity to work on one of agriculture’s most promising climate solutions.
- **Locations**: Hubs in California, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, and Brazil. Hybrid/remote options available.

## Sources
1. [pivotbio.com – About Us](https://www.pivotbio.com/about-us)
2. [pivotbio.com – Home](https://www.pivotbio.com/)
3. [pivotbio.com – Careers](https://www.pivotbio.com/careers)
4. [pivotbio.com – Leadership](https://www.pivotbio.com/leadership)
5. [pivotbio.com – Open Positions](https://www.pivotbio.com/open-positions)

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