Assistant Plant Pathologist

About Us
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 a Assistant Plant Pathologist for the Pathology team based in Woodland, California.

Role Profile
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
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

•  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
   

What We Offer:

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution
• Syngenta offers paid vacation plus 9 Company Holidays per calendar year.
• Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity, and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year
• Salary ($65,600 - $82,000)

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.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmla.htm)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC)
(http://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/firststep/poster_direct.htm)

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppa.htm)

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About Syngenta
Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.