Pathologist

As a Pathologist for our flowers and horticulture team based in Gilroy, California you will be a senior resource and scientific authority for plant pathology-related technical leading and advising to both internal Syngenta personnel and customers. And Will 

• Performs and leads plant pathology trials to generate technical information related to Syngenta products
• Represent Syngenta Flowers on floriculture industry committees related to plant pathogens, regulatory, and phytosanitary policies
• Manage and lead the Authorized Service Laboratories Naktuinbouw (ASLN) certification and laboratory testing at the Flowers Gilroy site
• Manage all aspects of Pathology laboratories, supporting plant production for commercial and R&D Flowers orders, after initiation from the Elite/Starter material and in coordination with the Operations teams, to ensure the quantity, quality and timely delivery of yearly plant orders. Deliver and drive the development of diagnostic protocols using new technologies and subsequently the delivery of innovations in strong collaboration with Elite/Starter material and operations.
• Support and train the grower team and the operation teams for all scouting activities on a daily bases

Accountabilities

• Manage plant pathology technical support and advising (e.g., problem solving, phytosanitary protocols, diagnostics, technical recommendations, etc.) on Syngenta genetics to internal personnel and to external customers
• Make clear and timely decisions regarding trialing and diagnostic
• Manage the Flowers R&D Plant Pathology Lab in support of plant propagation, maintenance, disease testing, breeding projects, trialing and scouting for the entire site.
• Acquire skills and maintain laboratory facilities necessary to support plant diagnostics, testing, trialing, and problem solving related to Syngenta products
• Deliver plant pathology-related training to Syngenta Flowers personnel (Sales, Technical Services, Customer Service, R&D, Marketing, etc.) and to external customers
• Plan, organize and conduct plant pathology-related technical trials with Syngenta products to generate information on genetic resistance of varieties, disease prevention and control
• Summarize technical trial results and write reports
• Lead and support compliance in Ways of Working applied in the greenhouse and labs with Naktuinbouw (NAKT) certification requirements and the internal quality standards
• Manage and lead the R&D Gilroy site Authorized Service Laboratories Naktuinbouw (ASLN) certification and laboratory testing.  This includes:
• Working using Naktuinbouw approved protocols and procedures for sampling and testing
• Facilitating the lab to pass proficiency tests organized by Naktuinbouw
• Manage activities required for the ASLN quality assurance management system
• Manage all activities related to lab certification and annual audits
• Manage and develop and execute lab protocols for exact identification of plant pathogens related to challenges concerning Syngenta products
• Manage and develop and execute lab protocols to maintain infected material for testing purposes
• Acquire federal and state permits for the movement of diseased plant products and maintain   requirements of permits for R&D labs
• Prepare and write materials required for industry meetings, proposed regulatory changes, and phytosanitary risk analysis
• Manage  and execute and identify needs for plant pathology-related technical data, collateral, and training
• In collaboration with Breeders and product managers, actively manage product development projects which includes preparing inoculum and testing for tolerance/resistance
• In collaboration with the technical team, develop plant pathology-related collateral using raw data, photos, and observations from technical trial results and other sources. This will involve interpreting and analyzing data, discussing the results with colleagues, and creating selling tools
• Assist  the planning and allocation of pathology resources at the site
• Assist in prioritize pathology projects and operations activities based on business importance
• Assist in developing and managing yearly budget and capital investment prioritization, proposal writing, submission process, for pathology work and execution on site
• Ensure all phytosanitary protocols are implemented, followed, and enforced
• Maintain an awareness of competitive developments and key technology trends in the related industries and external technology institutions to ensure that innovations are identified, evaluated and implemented.
• Lead the Gilroy site Phytosanitary team
• Be the point of contact with the Department of Agriculture and the USDA
• Ensure alignment and implement harmonized ways of working of the team with the Global Flowers R&D platform
• Manage and lead special phytopathology projects permitted to the Gilroy site.
• Ensure maintenance of all Pathology laboratory records
• Perform disease testing and diagnosis
• Preform assays for seed-borne pathogens
• Collecting  and test samples for plant pathogens
• Support General greenhouse and Elite greenhouse and diagnostics with plant movement
• Lead/Perform Elite greenhouse stock renewal testing, scheduling testing for 3rd party genetics and new selections for various crops on site.

• Advanced degree in Plant Pathology or BS with 15 years of experience in Plant Pathology .
• Must be able to understand both R&D and commercial grower processes

Critical experience

• At least 10 years of experience in plant pathology
• At least 10 years of experience in a horticulture research environment
• Demonstrated experience with pathology of ornamental plants
• Experience in plant pathology trialing, laboratory techniques, experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis and summary
• Experience in writing and editing technical information including non-technical audiences
• Experience in various lab operations for exact pathogen identification, production, and microbial culture

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Ability to train and translate technical information
• Excellent communication skills (written/verbal)
• Proficiency in basic computer programs (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, Power Point, etc.)
• Motivation and drive for continuous crop quality improvement and efficiency
• Ability to manage time and prioritize activities
• Strong project management skills
• Attention to detail
• Outstanding team player
• Ability to work independently and also as a member of a team
• Highly organized
• Very structured
• Analytical problem solving and a basic understanding of statistical analysis
• Extremely responsive

Additional information

• 15% travel requirement (primarily within North America)

What We Offer

• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution
• Generous Vacation Policy plus 9 Paid Holidays
• Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• Salary Range: $97,000 - $121,000
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity, and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year

WL4A
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 Flowers North America is one of the largest wholesale breeders of hybrid flower seed and cuttings in the world – developing and producing flower seeds and cuttings for growers internationally.

Syngenta Flowers is dedicated to the breeding innovative flower varieties that offer outstanding performance in the professional greenhouse, at retail, in the landscape and in the home garden. In addition to legendary genetics, we support industry professionals with world-class customer service, in-depth cultural information, flexible and exciting marketing programs, and a deep understanding of plants from many points of view.

Syngenta Flowers has garnered more than 35 international awards for introducing hybrid annuals to the world, including such garden mainstays as Calliope® Interspecific Geraniums, Diabunda™ Dianthus, Endurio™ Violas, Sparkler™ Cleome, and Magellan™ Zinnias.

We are currently seeking a Pathologist for our flowers and horticulture team based in Gilroy, California.  

https://www.syngentaflowers-us.com/about-us