Research Agronomist – Data & Modeling

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 ofnaturally-occurringmicrobes modern gene editing and application technologies to provide nitrogen to crops. Weare dedicated to providingnew solutionsfor farmers to improve yield as they work to help feed the worlds growing population. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio onForbesorPBS News Hour.

TheResearch Agronomist Data & Modelingwill report to the Associate Directorof Data Operations and Modeling. This is a research-first role with strong statistical grounding and advanced computational skillsoperatingin ambiguity and independently driving high value roleoperatesat the intersection ofagronomic research spatial analytics and product innovationtransforming large geospatial datasets into actionable insights that shape research direction product strategy and operational positionwill strengthenanalytical capabilitytodirectlydrivePivot Bios product innovation pipeline and research role will analyze datashape decisions design new analytical approaches andhelpelevate how we use data across the organization.

This role will be onsite at our Minnetonka MN location.

Essential Functions

• Identifyhigh-impact opportunities and independentlyinitiateexploratory analyses.
• Prototype analytical methods to supportResearch Agronomy andProductInnovation
• Quantify uncertainty and guide risk-aware decisions.
• Engineerfeaturesfromremote sensing data for modeling applications.
• Perform spatial analysis using Python QGIS and/or ESRI tools.
• Analyze plant growth dynamics across seasonal time periods.
• Perform EDAfield trial analysissensitivity analyses and QC metric design.
• Develop and evaluate machine learning models whenappropriate.
• Translate statistical outputs into clear actionable recommendations.
• Use python and SQL to workwithin platforms such as Databricks and AWS
• Build reproducible research pipelines (data code outputs documentation)
• Contribute to ETL processes and partner closely with engineering.

Competencies

Knowledge & Application

• Advanced Python (pandasnumpygeopandasrasterio scikit-learn).
• Strong SQL skills (Databricks or similar cloud warehouse experience preferred).
• Experience processing largegeospatial rasterdatasets.
• Strong understanding of applied statistics and experimental design.
• Experience with feature engineering modeling and uncertainty quantification.
• Familiarity with cloud compute environments (AWS preferred).
• Experience building reproducible analytical workflows.
• Experience using GitHub

Complexity & Problem Solving

• Researcher mindset: curious rigorous and skeptical.
• Strong intuition for data quality and anomaly detection.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and prioritizing highest-impact work.
• Tenacious and self-directed yet collaborative.
• Clearcommunicator who can translate complexity into action

Collaboration & Interaction

• Develop high-impact visualizations presentingconcise insights with clear next steps.
• Partner cross-functionallywith research agronomists product teams and engineers.
• Coach peers and contribute to a strongResearch Agronomyculture.

Travel Required 5%

Required Education & Experience

• Masters degree (or equivalent experience) in Agronomy Statistics Data Science Geospatial Analytics or related field
• 24years of experience in applied research spatial analytics or agronomic data science
• Experience working with satellite-derived datasets.
• Background in agricultural field trial analysis preferred.

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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