Entomology/Pathology Technician

At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, the Trait Assessment Team is currently seeking an Entomology/Pathology Technician, located in Malta, Illinois

Role Purpose

As a valued member of the Trait Assessment team, you will contribute to our vital research on soybean and corn diseases and Entomology projects.
Accountabilities

• Support planning and execution of lab, greenhouse, and field activities.
• Executing tasks such as inoculum preparation, insect maintenance, planting, inoculation/infestation, evaluation, and data analysis of disease and insect trials.
• Support the development and implementation of methodologies for disease and efficacy trials.
• Training the temporary assistants in all work instructions and JSA.
• Support the lab, greenhouse, and field organization by following quality and stewardship standards.
• Ensure and optimize deliveries within the team following the process b/s.
• Help to coordinate the team/employees and verify the quality of work, ensuring compliance with all Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) policies as per Syngenta's HSE team guidelines.
• Domestic travel may be required.

• High School Diploma or GED Required
• Excellent time management skills and adaptability to changes.
• Highly collaborative professional with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Must display excellence in task execution.
• Proactive problem-solving abilities, anticipating challenges and implementing preventive and corrective actions.
• Ability to learn and function effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills. Ability to construct, communicate, and adhere to project and functional plans.
• Strong commitment to Regulatory Compliance and Syngenta Stewardship policies.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office
• Facilitate planning and execution of pathology and entomology trials in lab, greenhouse, and field.
• Must be able to develop and conduct efficient, robust plant phenotyping assays.
• Must work well in cross-functional, diverse team settings and independently to successfully deliver on project goals.
• Must network effectively to learn ways of working and develop best practices.

Preferred Requirements

• Agricultural Technician certification or a degree in a related field is Preferred.
• Knowledge of basic Entomology/Plant Pathology techniques or other microbiology lab experience. 
• Knowledge of phenotyping/screening techniques, and onset/pathogen assay development and optimization is an advantage.
• Prior experience with corn and soybean is an advantage.
• Demonstrated success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others, and independent thinking.
• Ability to establish priorities, conduct, and oversee multiple phenotyping research activities simultaneously at peak work periods.
• Excellent experimental design, planning, execution, and analysis skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage, motivate, and lead self and team members to deliver on objectives.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• The work environment varies from greenhouse and field work to typical office and meeting environments. 
• Exposure to high and low temperatures in field, greenhouse, or seed storage. 
• Capable of standing and sitting for long periods of time.  
• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.  
• Capable of bending, lifting, and squatting for several hours at a time to observe and evaluate plant disease responses. 
• Capable of working longer hours during time-critical periods of growing season and during travel.
• Requires domestic travel with regular overnight stays.

• 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 2A

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. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.