Crop Protection Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

The Associate Scientist provides applied technical input and support for developing application methods for Pivot Bio crop nutrition technologies across corn, cotton, sorghum, wheat, and soybean. This role helps test and document how products should be applied safely, consistently, and effectively in research, training, and commercial settings. A key part of the role is helping communicate application methods and technical findings from Product Innovation to commercial teams. 

Essential Functions 

• Support day-to-day operation of the Product Success Center seed-treating facility and application laboratory, including equipment used for application research, training, demonstrations, tours, and customer-facing events. 
• Execute Pivot Bio's application testing process, including product stewardship, application quality, compatibility, and seed safety testing. 
• Coordination of treating seed for annual field trialing programs including the procurement of seed, treatments and treating materials, along with collaborating with field product development and commercial agronomy teams. 
• Summarize application research results and help prepare technical recommendations, training materials, and commercialization support for internal teams, field teams, commercial teams, and customers. 
• Help troubleshoot application, equipment, compatibility, and seed treatment questions by reviewing lab results, field feedback, agronomic conditions, and product requirements. 
• Support training and tour events at the Product Success Center for internal and external audiences, with a focus on product development, application best practices, and crop production practices. 
• Develop working relationships with teams across Pivot Bio and with external collaborators to support equipment design, functionality, and application work. 

Competencies 

Knowledge & Application 

• Strong communication skills both written and oral. 
• Strong research skills with the ability to help develop, execute, document, and summarize applied research protocols for application development. 
• Working agronomy experience, including crop nutrient management and nitrogen recommendations across multiple crops. 
• Experience applying seed-applied and crop protection technologies, with the ability to operate application equipment and train others on biological product application practices. 

Complexity & Problem Solving 

• Able to evaluate application questions and identify practical next steps using available protocols, lab results, field feedback, and agronomic information. 
• Uses attention to detail to support application quality, compatibility, stewardship, and seed safety work. 
• Follows established processes while helping identify improvements to protocols, equipment use, and application practices. 

Collaboration & Interaction 

• Works with Product Innovation, commercial teams, field teams, internal technical stakeholders, external collaborators, and equipment vendors. 
• Communicates application research results and technical recommendations clearly in both written and verbal formats. 

Travel Required

• Travel up to 20% is required to support research and commercial field teams with training events and field service calls. Actual travel may vary by season and business need. 

Required Education & Experience 

• Minimum of a master's degree or equivalent experience, preferably in agronomy or a related field. 
• Minimum of 2 years of field agronomy experience. 
• Experience supporting the development of biological products for application using standard crop protection practices. 
• Seed treatment application experience is desired. 

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

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