Biostatistician - REMOTE

At Syngenta, we are working to build the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture that provides leading seeds innovations to enhance the prosperity of farmers around the globe.

Our biostatistics team is seeking a motivated, detailed-oriented Biostatistician with an interest in plant science and a passion for utilizing their statistical applied mathematical skills to help transform our Seeds product development pipeline through enhanced experimental designs and analytics. As a Biostatistician you will work collaboratively on the design, analysis and implementation of industry-leading experimental designs and biometric capabilities to improve decision making for Syngenta Seeds Research and Development.

The ideal candidate should be creative and use their knowledge and experience in mathematics, biometrics and statistics to revolutionize our seeds development pipeline and enable best in class insights and decision making. Successful candidates will need to demonstrate accountability, continuous development, collaboration and strong communication and storytelling skills. As a biostatistician you will be part of a dynamic team that supports R&D objectives to transform our business.

Accountabilities:

• Develop and deploy innovative experimental designs and phenotypic analysis methodologies to improve genetic gain in Syngenta’s breeding programs
• Contribute to the statistical analyses and processes for phenotypic and genetic selection across multiple years, locations, and management accounting for field trends and Genotype by Environment (GxE) effects
• Research, develop modelling strategies, and algorithms to integrate new phenotypes, such as data from high-throughput instruments like drones, into an effective pipeline that facilitates prediction and decision support tools
• Co-lead and contribute to the investigation of modelling plant breeding programs through stochastic simulations to improve genetic gain in Syngenta’s breeding programs
• Research and develop new strategies to integrate data-driven machine learning algorithms into conventional phenotype modelling approaches to increase selection accuracy.
• Work with plant breeders in multiple crops across the globe to understand biological questions and develop statistical solutions to complex questions
• Provide consultation and training to a global research community regarding implementation of experimental designs and phenotype modelling
• Network and collaborate with colleagues from diverse technical backgrounds within seeds development, analytics and data science, IT, and product managers to build and enable end to end solutions
• Stay current with the current scientific progress in the literature and recognize the potential of novel methods for Syngenta Seeds Research and Development

• Ph.D. or Masters with equivalent experience in applied mathematics, statistics, data science, plant breeding, animal breeding, quantitative genetics, or related scientific field is preferred
• A solid foundation in statistical theory and a strong interest in applied statistical analysis methods
• Technical understanding of plant breeding and environmental trialing
• 2+ years of experience in statistical methods applied to the design and analysis of experiments; including programming, phenotype modelling, computer simulations, and spatial statistics
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with individuals of diverse language, cultural, and scientific backgrounds

Other Experience

• Formal training and/or experience in experimental design, mixed-linear models, generalized linear models, machine learning models, computer simulations, dimension reduction techniques, and longitudinal data analysis
• Experience using a programming language (ASReml R, Python, SQL) or similar statistical computer language to manipulate data and draw insights from large data sets
• Willingness to learn about and operate in a commercial seed business setting.
• Knowledge of technical aspects of plant breeding, physiology and quantitative genetics
• Proven interpersonal and excellent communication skills in order to communicate with stakeholders and collaborate with R&D colleagues
• Experience providing insights, conclusions and recommendations based on data analyses
• Ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team environment
• Critical thinking and experienced problem solver

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution
• Paid Vacation, 9 Paid Holidays, 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

Work Level 4A or 5B
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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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.