NA Trait Introgression Applied Genetics Scientist

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 an NA Trait Introgression Applied Genetics Scientist for the North America Trait Introgression and Delivery (NA TID) - Applied Genetics Team preferably in Slater IA. (Stanton MN or RTP NC may also be considered.)

Role Purpose

The North America Trait Introgression and Delivery (NA TID) - Applied Genetics Team is responsible for the introgression of traits into Corn and Soybean germplasm, with the main goal of delivering high-quality traited elite genetics on time to feed the late-stage breeding pipeline, contributing to the commercial launch of high-performance products in the North America market segments. The NA Trait Introgression Applied Genetics Scientist (NA TI AGS) will support and actively contribute to the NA TID Team and the North America Seeds Development organization by:

1. enabling and deploying molecular and computational solutions to increase the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of trait introgression and delivery processes;
2. ii. owning the execution, management, and reporting of some of the key activities involved in such processes.

The focus of this role will be Corn, complementary supporting Soybean when necessary.

Accountabilities

• Work as a member of the North America Trait Introgression and Delivery (NA TID) Team, contributing to the delivery of high-quality traited elite genetics with competitive performance, supporting the accelerated rate of genetic gain in product development. The focus of the role will be Corn, complementary supporting Soybean as necessary.
• Develop new and/or work on the continuous improvement of existing computational models for trait introgression and version characterization processes, and provide simulations for what if scenarios to inform strategy changes that drive Corn and Soybean conversion efficiency, quality, and success.  
• Actively support genotyping and sequencing activities in Corn and Soybean pre-coded, coded, and traited germplasm, by assessing and optimizing targeted sequencing and/or other genotyping marker panels. Support the continuous enhancement and actualization of such panels through the identification of targets for potential new candidate traits and loci of interest.
• Contribute to the ongoing digitization and automation efforts of the NA TID Team, by developing and implementing algorithms, models, and/or digital solutions to execute critical activities involved in TID processes.
• In collaboration with skilled scientists within and outside the NA TID – AGS Team, actively contribute to the development of algorithms and computational solutions to support various activities of the TI process, including: trait donor creation, trait donor selection, project creation, plant selection, project advancement and reporting. Own or co-own the execution of these activities to support the NA Corn TI pipeline.
• Actively support and assist NA TI AGS – Inbred Conversion Analyst with project analysis, plant selection, and cycling instruction reporting during peak periods.
• Actively engage in and contribute to the accurate, timely, and efficient computation, tracking, and reporting of NA TI Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). In partnership with Nampa Trait Conversion Accelerator (TCA) Operations Team, co-own the deliverable of the strategic KPIs quarterly and annually.

Critical success factors & key challenges:

• Ability to work efficiently in fast-paced environments and successfully meet deadlines.
• Ability to manipulate, organize, track, process, and generate reports from large and complex phenotypic and molecular datasets.
• Ability to work with existing software for phenotypic and molecular data analysis, and ability to develop new/modify existing digital algorithms, models, and applications by programming in one or more languages.
• Ability to learn and understand the Seeds Development and Trait Introgression strategies and pipelines.
• Ability to effectively and accurately communicate with shareholders and stakeholders.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities:

• Ph.D. or M.S. with 3 to 5 years of experience.
• Molecular Biology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, and/or Quantitative Genetics background required.
• Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, and/or Molecular Breeding knowledge and/or experience highly desired.
• Experience working with large datasets, both phenotypic and molecular (DNA). Excellent understanding of Statistics and Experimental Design, and desirably Quantitative Genetics principles.
• Knowledge and experience with modeling, simulations, and Machine Learning/Deep Learning algorithms.
• Knowledge of genotyping/sequencing technologies, and hands-on experience processing and analyzing data derived from (at least one of) them.
• Knowledge of and experience with standard tools for phenotyping and molecular data analysis.
• Familiarity with R and ability to program in R and/or other languages (Python) required. Experience and minimum skills with user interface (UI)/computational app development software.
• Data engineering and data visualization skills (Spotfire, Tableau, R Shiny) highly desired.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.

Critical knowledge:

• Knowledge of plant biology and/or plant breeding.
• Knowledge of genotyping/sequencing technologies.
• Knowledge of one or more programming languages.
• Knowledge of Machine Learning/Deep Learning.

Critical experience:

• Experience in molecular biology and quantitative genetics.
• Experience working with large and complex phenotypic and molecular datasets.
• Experience with predictive modeling/simulations.
• Hands-on programming experience.
• Hands-on data engineering and data visualization experience.

Critical technical, professional, and personal capabilities:

• Familiarity with R and/or other platforms for statistical computing and graphics, and programing skills in R, Python, and/or other languages.
• Product development focus, customer-oriented, able to apply basic concepts of molecular biology and plant genetics and translate them into accelerated genetic gain and maximized elite product performance.
• Ability to effectively communicate with different and diverse audiences.
• Innovative, technology-driven scientific skills and approaches to task completion and problem resolution.

Critical leadership capabilities

• Self-initiative
• Steps beyond comfort zones
• Fosters a culture of creativity and innovation

• Sets ambitious strategic goals
• Communicates inspirationally

• Develop self and others
• Recognizes and celebrates success

• Focuses energy on must-wins
• Manages performance to high standard

• A minimum of two years in current position is (required for internal)
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US

TRAVEL:

Ability to travel to team/project/shareholders/stakeholders meetings and trainings. 

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

WL4A

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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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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.