Global Trait Assessment Lead

We're seeking a scientific leader with deep expertise in specialized domains such as phytopathology or plant physiology to drive excellence in trait assessment across multiple crops and projects. As our Global Trait Assessment Lead, you'll lead teams of specialists and enable cross-functional collaboration to develop, validate, and implement innovative trait assessment methodologies that accelerate development and create competitive advantage.

This position is responsible for building world-class expertise in key assessment areas while driving operational excellence and innovation in evaluation methods. You'll ensure the development and implementation of standardized, scalable assessment protocols deployable across multiple trait development projects and crops.

Success in this role requires fostering deep scientific expertise while driving continuous improvement and innovation in assessment approaches, ensuring both technical rigor and efficient delivery of high-quality phenotypic data that enables informed decision-making in trait development programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Spearhead global trait assessment strategies and operations across multiple crops, ensuring alignment with portfolio and business goals.
• Lead the design and implementation of standardized phenotyping protocols to assess plant traits and responses to biotic/abiotic stresses.
• Establish high-throughput phenotyping methodologies to drive continuous improvement in trait evaluation accuracy, precision, and throughput.
• Develop comprehensive quality standards for phenotypic data collection and interpretation.
• Build and maintain a global network of trait evaluation sites and testing facilities, optimizing resource allocation and operational efficiency.
• Lead high-performing trait assessment teams while collaborating with breeding, pathology, molecular, and data science groups.
• Ensure global compliance with regulatory requirements, safety standards, and quality protocols.
• Provide technical leadership to global project teams in trait assessment.
• Drive talent development through structured mentorship programs and implementation of emerging phenotyping technologies.
• Champion Syngenta's scientific leadership through strategic engagement with academic and industry partners.
• Foster a culture of safety, compliance, and inclusivity that promotes sustainable practices.
• Support data-driven decision making by providing high-quality phenotypic data and insights.

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs.

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions. 

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.

Qualifications & Experience

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences, Genetics, Pathology, Breeding, or related Life Sciences discipline.
• Minimum 10 years experience in trait development and research.
• Proven leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary research teams.
• Expert knowledge in plant breeding, pathology, and trait discovery/development processes.
• Advanced understanding of quantitative genetics, genomics, and molecular marker applications.
• Proficiency in experimental design, statistical analysis, and high-throughput phenotyping technologies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of biotic/abiotic stress mechanisms in plants.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements, and IP protection.
• Demonstrated success in project portfolio management and external collaborations.
• Strong track record of building partnerships across academia, industry, and research institutions.

Technical & Research Excellence:

• Proven track record of delivering high-impact results under aggressive timelines.
• Strong scientific judgment and swift execution in experimental design.
• Demonstrated ability to accelerate innovation and drive breakthrough solutions.

Professional Attributes:

• Results-driven mindset with ability to meet challenging deadlines.
• Outstanding agility in fast-paced, dynamic research environments.
• Exceptional integrity in research conduct with focus on speed-to-delivery.
• Self-directed work ethic with rapid decision-making capabilities.

Leadership:

• Demonstrated ability to drive rapid business impact through scientific innovation.
• Excellence in fast-track planning and high-velocity project execution.
• Proven ability to motivate and energize global teams toward ambitious goals.
• Experience in rapidly aligning diverse teams around common objectives.

Travel Requirements: 10-15%.

Location: El Ejido (Almería)

What We Offer:

• A culture that promotes work/life balance and celebrates diversity.
• Possibility of being part of our #FutureOfWorkPolicy: 3 days at home, 2 at the office.
• Extensive benefits package including a pension plan scheme, company car, bonus, life insurance & a pool of flexible benefits to choose (Ticket Restaurant, WellHub, etc.)
• A role that contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.
• Learning culture and a wide range of development options, including access to learning platforms (Degreed and LinkedIn Learning)

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.