Corn Trait Introgression Operations Lead - North America

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. The North America Seeds Development team is currently seeking a Corn Trait Introgression Operations Lead for the Trait Conversion Center (TCI), located in Nampa, Idaho. As the Operations Lead, you will manage a team of scientists, engineers, and research associates targeting conversion of corn inbreeds from early-stage breeding, that are handed off to product placement through the Applied Genetics Organization.

You will help meet the world’s most pressing needs by:

• Delivering the North American corn trait introgression (TI) pipeline according to defined deadlines and conditions as well as high level overarching protocols. Leading, coaching and developing highly skilled team members including research associates, engineers, and scientists. Develop site specific protocols and procedures as well as a Quality Management System (QMS) culture to ensure the highest seed quality and timely delivery
• Effectively planning the NA Corn TI projects in the TCA to ensure efficient operations workload prioritization, space utilization, capital planning, and delivery. Identifying key productivity savings by challenging current protocols and processes targeting improvements in capacity and handoff timelines
• Implementing Operational Excellence principles, metrics, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), monitoring system to continuously track and improve the end-to-end TI process, promoting a culture of continuous improvement among employees at the Nampa site

Accountabilities

• Lead the conversion pipeline at the Nampa TCA Research and Development site including greenhouses, controlled environments, and labs developing protocols and targeting on-time delivery that meet quality metrics of completed inbred trait conversions
• Pilot adoption of innovative practices to drive continuous improvement in breeding process timelines, conversion quality, and final seed hand-off
• Collaborate with other Applied Genetics and Data Analytics Scientists to implement new data analytics, operational protocols, and phenotyping techniques for improved delivery
• Implement the best integrated pest management (IPM) practices and nutrition programs to deliver high quality seed as well as to ensure proper workers protection standards (WPS) compliance
• Speed up key product concepts through the pipeline with critical traits reducing time to market and adding genetic gain based on new analytics and experimental designs. In collaboration with Data Analytics, Data Scientists, and Seeds Research teams deploy new experimental designs, molecular marker strategies, and novel algorithms for advancing materials through the corn TI Pipeline to assist in speeding up the commercialization of new products

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, Masters or PhD preferred, in Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Horticulture, or related field
• 10+ year’s research and development experience in plant molecular breeding, controlled environments, germplasm management, and trait introgression with corn
• Demonstrated experience in forecasting resources needed to execute the workload including permanent and third-party staff, inventories, and necessary employee training
• Demonstrated experience in management of budgets and budget forecasting
• Demonstrated experience in TI in a field environment and controlled environment with knowledge of genetically modified (GM) trait conversion and their respective testing in corn, soybean, or other row crops

Preferred Requirements

• Project management experience and demonstrated ability to deliver data analysis and meet timelines for results from promotion and advancement
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage complex projects and effectively lead interdisciplinary teams to accomplish project goals
• Demonstrated experience in adhering to company, state, and governmental stewardship and regulatory requirements to maintain our freedom to operate (FTO)
• Knowledge and experience in experimental design, statistical analysis, and quality control in controlled systems
• Effective interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills and experience with monitoring KPIs and data through Power-BI or other visualization software

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
• Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, 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

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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About Syngenta

Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 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.