Application Lab Technician

About Pivot Bio:  

Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of the soil microbiome, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in agriculture. Our products harness the power of naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops and new sustainable ways for farmers to reduce the usage of fertilizers as they work to help feed the world’s growing population.

Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour. 

Position:  Application Lab Technician

Location:  Product Success Center; St Louis, MO (actual location is Hazelwood, MO)

We are seeking an Application Lab Technician to join the Pivot Bio Product Innovation team in its mission to replace synthetic nitrogen fertilizers with seed-applied nitrogen-fixing microbes resulting in improved crop/nitrogen management that is both convenient and profitable to growers.   

As a critical member of the Pivot Bio Product Innovation team, you will be part of a team that develops innovative and sustainable solutions to crop management challenges.

This position will work with the research and commercial teams to conduct research resulting in the development and delivery of pre-commercial and commercial products.

Responsibilities: 

• Ability to execute protocols for the application of microbial technologies using lab and commercial seed applied and in-furrow planter equipment
• Operate and maintain lab and commercial seed-treatment applicators, and commercial in-furrow planter equipment
• Ability to collect data and support analysis of assigned protocols
• Work closely with the St. Louis based Product Innovation support lab staff resulting in an effective team that works well together with an emphasis on safety and product development
• Assist lab personnel on microbial enumeration procedures and seed safety testing
• Maintain a properly functioning lab including following standard operating procedures, maintaining materials, consumable stock supply, and quality improvement efforts
• Limited travel

 Qualifications and Experience 

• A. degree preferred, or two year of experience in agronomy, seed science, plant physiology, soil science or related areas of study
• Background in agronomy or related field, including experience in the research and development of seed-applied technologies  
• Willing to learn the operation of agricultural seed-treatment and planter in-furrow equipment
• Comfortable working in a lab environment
• Past experience working cooperatively across various functional teams
• Good verbal and written communication

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to walk on concrete surfaces for extended periods of time
• Must be currently certified to drive a forklift or able to become certified
• Operate both lab and commercial scale seed-treatment equipment
• Must be able to repetitively lift up-to 55 lbs.

*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 

Hiring Compensation Range: $47,560 - $59,450

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