Hybrid Wheat Breeding Intern

At Syngenta, we are working to build the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture that provides leading seeds and crop protection innovations to enhance the prosperity of farmers. As a Hybrid Wheat Breeding Intern, you will be a valued member of a high-performing R&D team, contributing to critical research that addresses key bottlenecks in hybrid wheat development while building skills and experiences to launch your career in agricultural innovation.

Duration: May 2026 - August 2026
Location: Junction City, Kansas

About the Role

Develop, test, and implement robust phenotyping protocols that accelerate hybrid wheat breeding decisions by linking controlled environment data to field performance and optimize genomic selection capabilities.

Key Deliverables:

• Validated screening protocol ready for pipeline integration.
• High-quality phenotypic dataset across diverse germplasm.
• Trained and validated genomic selection models.

Key Accountabilities:

Protocol Development:

• Develop greenhouse experiments to systematically characterize trait performance across diverse wheat germplasm.
• Evaluate the impact of environmental conditions on trait expression.
• Develop feasible, technically sound screening protocols that can be integrated into the breeding pipeline.
• Assess risks, benefits, and tradeoffs of protocol modifications to the product pipeline.

Greenhouse Data Collection & Analysis:

• Coordinate with the North America breeding team to support accurate data collection.
• Perform descriptive and statistical analyses.
• Collaborate with Applied Analytics and Data Science teams to support genomic selection model development.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Provide regular feedback and updates to breeding team members and project mentors.
• Demonstrate initiative in understanding the strategic implications of research findings.
• Translate complex data into actionable insights for breeding decisions.
• Present research findings to R&D leadership at project conclusion.

Program Details:

Logistics:

• 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday (weekend work during peak field season).
• Company vehicle for field travel.

Resources & Training:

• State-of-the-art controlled environment facilities.
• Training on greenhouse operations, phenotyping, and statistical tools (R, ASReml, etc.).
• Access to genomic databases and breeding decision support systems.

Professional Development:

• Structured mentorship with breeding scientists and data science experts.
• Present findings to R&D leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Exposure to product development pipeline from concept to commercialization.
• Networking with Syngenta's national intern cohort.

What's in It for You?

• Own a research project from design through presentation to leadership.
• Shape breeding decisions - your protocols will directly influence product advancement.
• Bridge lab and field - see how controlled environment work translates to commercial outcomes.
• Build your network in one of agriculture's most active wheat breeding programs.

What Gives You an Advantage:

• Develop Statistical analysis skills (R, Python, SAS) with agricultural data.
• Experience with controlled environment research and phenotyping platforms.
• Understanding of hybrid breeding systems and quantitative genetics.
• Track record of independent research or thesis work.

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs. 

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.  

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States. 

• Education: MS or PhD student in plant breeding, agronomy, or related field
• Mobility: Valid driver's license with clean driving record (field sites require travel)
• Physical capability: Comfortable working in greenhouse heat and field conditions; able to stand/walk for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• Availability: Full-time commitment May 18 – August 8, 2026

What We Offer: 

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs. 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. 
Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

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