Product Development Research Associate

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 first commercial product harnesses the power of naturally-occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops.  We are dedicated to providing new sustainable ways 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.

Position: Product Development Research Associate; Location:  Remote in the Midwest.

The Product Development team tests, develops, and implements new and existing products, microbial strains, field methodologies, and technologies in partnership with R&D, Field Measurement, and Commercial Agronomy to support the advancement and sale of the Pivot Bio pipeline of products.  As part of this team, the Product Development Research Associate will be responsible for assisting the late-stage Field Trial Managers with protocol development, site assessment, data collection, data entry, and data summaries. This position may also support additional projects/duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development of detailed trial protocols
• Assist with the development of front-end data capture and organization
• Visit field trial sites as needed
• Collect trial samples and data from all field trials
• Safely use UAV and other technology to collect data and information in the field
• Be able to enter, organize, and summarize data using various programs
• Provide written agronomy research summaries that can be used to support product management, positioning, and field sales training
• Travel up to 60% of the time during the growing season.

Qualifications and Experience:

• B.S. with 2-4 years of relevant work experience or M.S. in an agricultural and/or environmental discipline 
• Good understanding of field research planning, trial design, and data collection
• Strong skills in data organization and basic summarization
• Strong experience with Excel, ARM, JMP, Spotfire, and/or other data software
• Strong Word and PowerPoint experience
• Strong sense of safety for themselves and others as it applies to agricultural research
• Ability to work with different agricultural chemicals comfortability by following all appropriate safety rules
• Ability to work around grain and tissue dust.
• Ability to incorporate technology tools and systems (remote sensing, aerial imagery etc. into R&D trail work
• FAA Remote Pilot certification or willingness to obtain one within a reasonable time
• Possess a good understanding of fertilizer and fertility products, applications, practices, and crop need
• Good agronomic skills
• Ability to operate independently and accomplish goals
• Strong communication skill
• Ability to work as part of a team that is remotely distributed
• Must be able to work safely in adverse weather conditions, i.e., heat, humidity, rain, cold, etc. for extended periods of time
• Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces
• Must be able to drive or ride in a vehicle for long periods of time
• Seasonally the workday and workweek may be expanded to allow for tasks to be completed
• Must be able to repetitively lift 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