Seed Treatment Application Scientist III

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.

This role will lead the Application R&D team within the Pivot Bio Product Success Center in development of various application methods for both pre-commercial and commercial products. Application method development will be focused on the delivery of biological microbes formulated for on seed, liquid, and or dry applications. The successful candidate will work across a multi-disciplinary team of individuals in our Hazlewood Mo Center of Excellence to develop, launch, and support Pivot Bio’s growing portfolio of products and services.

Essential Functions

• Management of the Application R&D team within the Product Success Center located in St Louis, MO which includes an application/formulation lab, research and commercial seed treatment application facility, and a microbial lab for the support of research and commercial needs.
• Direct and leadership through influence of a growing team of talent in our Hazelwood Mo Center of Excellence.
• Collaborate with internal teams including product development, fermentation and formulation, microbial development, and commercial teams
• Expertise regarding product quality, product application and performance, with a direct focus on providing quality, high performing products to customers.
• Ability to develop working and business relationships with external stakeholders including application equipment manufacturers, technology companies, academia, third-party researchers.
• Providing both written and oral updates, summaries and recommendations regarding the status of application product development towards commercialization goals
• Become a technical expert for all product related questions including technical product support to commercial and marketing teams through written and oral reports, hands-on training events, plot tours and customer field visits.
• Participate in location tours and events for both internal and external customers regarding product application, product stewardship, and best practices.

Competencies

Knowledge & Application

• Excellent research acumen to perform the following: experimental design, statistical analysis, protocol development, execution, and summarization of results.
• Understand, operate and train others in the application of biological products using seed treatment equipment or in-field planting equipment.
• Demonstrated background and knowledge of agriculturally based biological products with the ability to evaluate and recommend synergistic product combinations for testing.
• Fluent in nitrogen management in major crops including corn, cotton and wheat with the ability to educate Pivot Bio employees/reps and growers on the incorporation of nitrogen-fixing microbes into their crop production practices and the value they provide to customers.

Complexity & Problem Solving

• Collaborate with product development and commercial teams to understand technical data and information needs regarding product quality, application, and performance that support commercialization strategies and objectives.

Collaboration & Interaction

Develop business relationships with external stakeholders including application equipment manufacturers, technology companies, academia, and third-party researchers.

· Work cooperatively across various functional teams, providing input and direction.

· Development of close working relationships with internal stakeholders – product quality, supply, manufacturing, and commercial teams are a key to the success of this role.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Management of seed treatment application lab that includes both research and commercial application equipment.
• Management of a microbial laboratory responsible for enumeration of microbes for various biological products.

Travel Required

• Up to 25% of the time to Pivot Bio research sites, field trial locations and third-party locations.
• Travel required within the United States to international research and commercial sites to support product training and or commercial teams when necessary.

Required Education & Experience

• MS degree required, Ph.D preferred, with 8 years of experience, in chemistry, biology, agronomy, seed science, plant physiology, soil science or related areas of study
• A minimum of 6 years’ work experience in crop production agronomy is preferred.
• Experience and expertise in the research and development of biological technologies, and their use as either an on-seed treatment, liquid and or dry application technologies.

Work authorization/security clearance requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the United States

What we offer: 

• Sales Incentive Bonus Plan
• 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