Ruby A. Kaiser

About

I’m a microbiologist and sustainable agriculture advocate with hands-on expertise in plant and microbe culturing, strain engineering, and high-throughput microbial isolation. At Pivot Bio, I’ve driven innovation by designing and executing experiments across interdisciplinary teams—collaborating closely with bioinformatics, strain engineering, and plant science groups to advance novel microbial solutions for agriculture. My technical skills span molecular biology techniques (PCR, sequencing, Gibson Assembly), automation (Biomek, VIAFLO, Hamilton instruments), and data analysis (R, Geneious), paired with strong operational and organizational skills. I’ve managed instrument scheduling, streamlined inventory systems, coordinated vendor interactions, and led meetings to forecast project needs and align resources. I’ve also contributed to knowledge sharing by presenting at internal Science Hours and external conferences, including the inaugural SIMB Connecting Microbiome Communities meeting, ensuring NDA compliance while communicating complex findings clearly. My career began with foundational research on insect microbiomes, where I secured a grant to conduct advanced data analysis at Helsinki University, Finland, gaining experience with high-performance computing and supercomputers. This formative experience deepened my expertise in bioinformatics and data-driven research. Alongside this, I completed molecular biology internships and engaged in environmental advocacy and science outreach, building a holistic perspective on sustainable agriculture and conservation. I’m committed to advancing agricultural practices that honor microbial ecology and environmental stewardship. Let’s connect if you’re interested in collaboration, scientific communication, or projects at the intersection of microbiology, sustainability, and research operations.

Experience

• Discovery Team Research Associate II · Pivot Bio2024-12-01 – 2025-05-01
• Research Associate I · Pivot Bio2024-01-01 – 2024-12-01
• Microbial Isolation and Colonization Research Associate I · Pivot Bio2023-02-01 – 2023-12-01
• Laboratory Technician · Node Labs Inc2021-09-01 – 2023-02-01

  Coordinated the step-down process, transitioning from meristem dissections to fully formed plants. Managed quality control, making decisions regarding hormone and nutrient levels for plants, as well as virus remediation and assaying. Ensured laboratory preparation work, precise plant dissections, and adherence to sterile procedures, maintaining a low contamination rate while working in sterile hoods. Played a key role in training and onboarding new employees, sharing expertise in sterile technique and laboratory procedures. Collaborated with the research and development team to advance projects and achieve objectives, contributing to the overall success of the team. Wrote and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality in laboratory procedures. Regularly used autoclave for sterilization purposes and worked with third-party vendors for sample testing and analysis.

• Laboratory Assistant · Node Labs Inc2020-07-01 – 2021-08-01

  Contributed to laboratory preparations, ensuring smooth workflows and efficient operations. Proficiently conducted plant dissections with precision and adhered to sterile procedures. Provided guidance and training to new team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning. Actively participated in collaborative research and development projects, enhancing the team's contributions.

• Visiting Researcher · HPC-Europa3 EU project2022-02-01 – 2022-04-01

  Conducted research focused on sympatric speciation due to endosymbiotic disruption within mountain leaf beetles as part of a long-term research project spanning several decades. Utilized supercomputer clusters to analyze microbial data, particularly focusing on the microbial species Wolbachia and Spiroplasma. Employed bioinformatics tools such as Mothur and R to analyze 16S rRNA sequences, BWA-mem to map short read sequences to a reference genome, and kraken to assign taxonomic labels to metagenomic sequences. Conducted comparative analyses by comparing Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data to 16S sequence results and then correlated these findings with field data collected prior to the study. Contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of evolutionary biology and endosymbiotic interactions through rigorous research and analysis.

• Research Technician · Sonoma State University2021-08-01 – 2022-04-01

  Gathered, compiled, and meticulously analyzed research data, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Conducted laboratory genetic studies on beetles and their microbial associates, including DNA extraction and library sequencing prep, as well as PCR analysis. Skillfully prepared data for presentation in various formats, including graphics, tables, pictorials, and written reports, ensuring clarity and effectiveness. Authored analytical reports and descriptive, non-technical summaries of research findings, communicating results to both technical and non-technical audiences. Wrote grants and designed experiments to secure funding and advance research objectives. Tested bacterial resistance to antibiotics and investigated endosymbiont interactions in beetles, contributing to the understanding of microbial ecology. Regularly ran command-line code for data analysis, troubleshooting issues as needed to ensure the accuracy of results.

• Student Research Associate · Sonoma State University2020-12-01 – 2021-08-01

  Applied computer programs to analyze research data, extracting valuable insights and contributing to the interpretation of findings. Conducted comprehensive fieldwork surveys, specimen collections, and data gathering in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains and other locations. Administered antibiotics to collected specimens to study microbiota and related attributes, enhancing understanding of host-microbe interactions. Collected and cataloged mountain leaf beetles, contributing to decades of population research, and gathered weather and geographical data. Raised specimens in laboratory settings at both low and high elevations, monitoring behavior and tracking growth and development dynamics. Conducted fitness tests on specimens by measuring speed and contributing to studies on adaptation to environmental conditions. Ensured meticulous data collection, including specimen labeling, storage, and maintenance of -80°C frozen conditions. Led a team in daily data collection activities, maintaining data integrity and consistency.

• Field Organizer · Sonoma County Conservation Action2019-09-01 – 2020-01-01

  Acquired in-depth knowledge of the organization and its history to deliver persuasive messages during door-to-door canvassing. Successfully secured donations and support from the community through effective communication.

• Garden Steward · Sonoma State University2019-01-01 – 2019-08-01

  Maintained and managed the university garden, ensuring its beauty and functionality. Collaborated with a team to create a welcoming and sustainable outdoor space for the campus community.

Education

• Sonoma State UniversityGraduate Extended Education
• Sonoma State UniversityBachelor of Science - BS, Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Santa Rosa Junior CollegeAssociate of Science - AS, Natural Sciences
• Montgomery High SchoolHigh School Diploma, International Baccalaureate Program

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