Assistant Plant Pathologist

Through leading innovations, we help farmers around the world meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and taking care of our planet. We are currently seeking an Assistant Plant Pathologist for the Pathology team based in Woodland, California.

The Assistant pathologist will be responsible to conduct plant pathology projects to advance and support Syngenta vegetable seeds development. This will primarily be accomplished through the implementation of plant pathology trials in the greenhouse, laboratory, growth chambers and field.

Accountabilities:

• Plan, coordinate and conduct pathology trials in controlled environments, laboratory, greenhouse and field.
• Preparation of microbiological media and culture of plant pathogens.
• Responsible for maintenance of plants and evaluation of pathology trials in the greenhouse and field.
• Support disease diagnostics of vegetable crops.
• Oversee the activities of support staff related to routine pathology operations.
• Organize pathology seed inventory, laboratory supplies, chemicals.
• Keep records of laboratory and greenhouse activities, and generate reports and summaries.
• Support station phytosanitary activities.
• Comply with all on-site safety, environmental, and stewardship regulations.

At Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, we’re passionate about helping people in the vegetable industry succeed and putting growers at the heart of all that we do. Our energies are focused on creating solutions that help them get more out of their crops, now and in the future. A commitment in every seed. We do this by: protecting seed, bulb, or small plant quality from the start to enable growers to achieve the highest yield potentials in their operations; continually investing in R&D to bring cutting-edge innovations to the market; and striving to make a real world difference through more sustainable practices on farms, in shipping, and at the grocery store.

• BS (or MS) in Plant Pathology or Agronomy with + 2 years (preferred) of industry settings.
• Background in laboratory testing and general familiarity with laboratory equipment such as pipettes, balances, pH meters.
• Experience with disease phenotyping efforts and disease evaluation.
• Plant disease assay development.
• Experience with plant care and propagations.
• Experience in plant pathogen culture maintenance and propagation.
• Experience in plant and pathogen nucleic acid extractions, PCR set up and sequence analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to follow technical written protocols.
• Knowledge of biological safety containment is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication is a necessity for this position.
• A strong team player who can work well with others and support the goals of the group is required.
• Detail-oriented, excellent organizational and communication skills (oral and written).

COMPETENCIES:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and electronic databases.
• Ability to work in laboratory, greenhouse, growth chambers and field environment.
• Some local travel may be required to assist with field activities.
• Ability to execute assigned routine tasks with minimal supervision.
• Spanish language a plus.
• Dedication to working safely in accordance with company safety policies and practices.

Salary for this role is $73,600 - $ 110,400 per year. 

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. 
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.  
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution. 
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits. 

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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