Pipeline Quality and Germplasm (PQG) Scientist

About Trait Delivery - Pipeline Quality and Germplasm 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 a Pipeline Quality and Germplasm Scientist for our Trait Delivery (TD) Team based at our Malta, Illinois location. (Other Syngenta locations may be considered: Slater Iowa, Stanton MN.)

The Pipeline Quality and Germplasm (PQG) Scientist is an instrumental role within the Trait Delivery (TD) Team within the North America Applied Genetics team, supporting GM trait efficacy testing (both herbicide and pest control), understanding and quantifying GxTxE (genotype by trait by environment) effects, monitoring inbred and hybrid quality across the pipeline, providing full visibility of the activities and process, and reporting performance metrics as well as deviations.

The PQG is responsible for evaluating, monitoring, and reporting early stages as well as advanced-stage hybrid purity, quality, and trait efficacy. In addition, the PQG will conduct GM efficacy testing analysis, documentation, and reporting, as governed in contracts, protocols, work instructions, and regulations, against agreed upon key performance indicators (KPIs). These processes drive product advancement decisions and guide commercial launches. The PQG collaborates with data analytics scientists and other functions to implement new data analytics, trial designs, and phenotyping techniques for new and/or improved methods for the optimum evaluation and characterization of GxTxE effects. The PQG also works in collaboration with TI, TD, breeding, product placement scientist, and commercial teams.

Accountabilities

• Accountable for the proper execution of trait efficacy protocols including advancement analysis, reporting, and monitoring targets by product development stage. Provide recommendations of improvements based on data analysis insights, deficiencies, and input from key stakeholders. Ensure changes are incorporated into protocols, regulations and/or work instructions (inclusive of reliance) and communicated to the appropriate stakeholders
• Own the data compilation, analysis, and reporting of purity data from quality assurance (QA), molecular marker lab, efficacy trials, line purity management (LPM), production and supply (PS) and commercial functions. Provide regular updates of quality and purity assessment trends in relationship to agreed upon KPIs to all relevant stakeholders
• Suggest protocol and/or tool enhancements needed to continually improve inbred and hybrid purity and quality across the product development stage plan, that are aligned with pine purity and germplasm inventory pipeline scientist and other TD scientists. Actively participate in the modification of existing protocols, regulations, work instructions, as well as in the generation of new ones. Ensure all inventory adheres to quality standards coordinated by the pipeline scientist
• Drive the experimental design and analysis of trait efficacy trials for the robust characterization of advanced-stage product performance in terms of genotype x trait x environment interactions. Be responsible for providing data-driven recommendations for product advancement and commercial launch derived from such assessments. Collaborate with data analytics, phenomics, and seeds research teams to deploy new experimental designs for increasing for improving trait efficacy assessment and quality
• Develop, communicate, and maintain a centralized forecast for hybrid seed quantities (seed production), greenhouse, growth chambers, QC lab resourcing, trialing and phenotyping resource demand for GM trait efficacy testing purposes. In collaboration with the TD advancement coordinator, develop and maintain a forecast based on the outputs of TI and product placement
• Support Syngenta's freedom to operate and IP development through filing of invention disclosures and assisting with patent applications.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. degree required in plant breeding, statistics, molecular breeding, agronomy with 7+ years of R&D industry experience
• Relevant experience in applied breeding, breeding pipeline management, quality management, and the product development advancement process
• Experience in statistics and experimental design, and analysis of field trial data
• Experience in quality control and analysis of large and complex data sets, both phenotypic and molecular (DNA-based)
• 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 and statistical analysis for phenotypic and molecular data
• Innovative, technology-driven scientific skills and approaches to task completion and problem resolution
• Highly proficient in the utilization and programming of PowerBI, Spotfire, Tableau, or other tools to analyze and view large data sets for advancement and tracking purposes
• Advanced technical communication, able to present complex data sets and translate them into actionable decisions for product advancement
• Advanced stakeholder management and engagement skills; ability to work cross-functionally to delivery results
• Ability to work with operational and trialing teams to deliver against tight timelines and maintain high quality standards
• Knowledge of methods of GM and native trait (germplasm x trait x environment interaction) characterization

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with R and ability to program in R and/or other languages (Python) to analyze data and develop new tools
• Knowledge of new phenotypic platforms (phenomics) and marker-based platforms to improve heritability and quality of data collected
• Knowledge of corn heterotic groups and application in breeding
• Experience in testing regulated and/or stewarded traits

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.

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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About Syngenta

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. 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.