Product Development Trial Manager

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 Trial Manager, Eastern U.S.

We are looking for a Product Development Trial Manager to help develop and lead studies to determine how our products can remove synthetic nitrogen from agricultural production, improve nitrogen use efficiency, and improve crop yield to meet the needs of farmers everywhere. This role is an essential part of our product development and agronomy teams. This role also serves as a bridge between our research and discovery team and the growers we seek to support.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for assisting with all aspects of coordination and execution of product development field trials; location identification, grower/cooperator contracts, trial planting, in-season trial maintenance, trial visits during the season, harvesting and collecting data.
• Develop and maintain relationships with research and discovery colleagues to help steward current products and introduce new products.
• Coordinate and implement 3rd party research projects (e.g., contract researchers, universities, trade associations, consultancies).
• Collect and enter data into ARM, QuickTrials, Excel, or other programs as needed.
• Maintain USDA Regulatory Compliance. Ensure trials are conducted within regulatory and stewardship policy and paperwork is accurately completed in a timely manner.
• Regularly integrate emerging technology tools (e.g., drones, satellite imagery) to improve work efficiency and execution of assigned responsibilities.
• Provide written agronomy research summaries that can be used to support product management, positioning, and field sales training.
• Actively participate in the site safety program.
• Plan, lead, coordinate, implement and support on-farm research programs of small and large plot research and/or demo work. Responsible for spatial data capture and proper use of GPS/GIS enabled equipment.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or Horticulture related field plus at least five years’ field research experience required. Master’s in Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with field research planning, trial design and basic statistical analysis.
• Background with agricultural products including plant nutritionals, organics, biologicals, crop protection chemicals and adjuvants/surfactants.
• Strong agronomic scouting background.
• Experience working with a range of crops.
• Strong practical knowledge of and experience with chemical applications.
• Demonstrated experience with data capture, entry, and basic analysis.
• Skilled with Excel, ARM, JMP, and Spotfire. QuickTrials experience is a plus.
• FAA Part 107 Certificate or the ability and willingness to obtain one.
• Ability to engage/present in customer field days, meetings, as well as certain company events.
• Fluent in understanding and ability to educate on nitrogen and nitrogen management.

Other:

• Travel up to 60% of the time during the growing season.
• Ability to work in field 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 may be expanded to allow for tasks to be completed.
• Ability to lift and move up to 60 lbs. as needed.

*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