Product Placement 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 Product Placement Scientist role for the Germplasm Development team in Manhattan, KS.  

The Product Placement Scientists will characterize corn hybrids in the late development breeding cycle. The Product Placement team supports the following: 1) selection, placement and delivery of new corn products to the commercial portfolio; 2) technical product characterization; 3) connect and collaborate locally with multi-functional teams (Commercial, Product Management and Seed Development) to build and support the product strategy.

The Product Placement Scientist collaborates with breeders and other Seed Development teams to deeply understand Syngenta seeds products performance, strengths and weaknesses compared to competition commercial products and new launches in order to anticipate challenges and opportunities.

This role will accelerate and maximize the adoption of new products by the growers through the implementation of distinct models aiming to explore yield potential and product performance across environments and soils.

Accountabilities  

• Selection, placement and delivery of new products and technical product characterization:
  • Implement the Product Development process for target market(s), including:
  • Coordinate late stage trialing protocol in the region (trial entry selection, testing locations, field/lab phenotypic note collection, competence analyses, checks)
  • Ensure high quality data for promotion decisions and placement
  • Select products for advancement across late stages development
  • Coordinate regionally the Crop Tour
  • Collaborate on the production of product value proposition and product descriptions to support new product launches to ensure proper product placement
  • Ensure that hybrids promoted to late stage are aligned with market targets
  • Review product and trait needs to provide direction germplasm strategy
     
• Connect and collaborate with multi-functional teams 
  • Be part of multi-functional initiatives that promote operational synergies that improve the generation of information (quantity and quality) for product positioning, coordinating the data generation plan together with sales Agronomy teams and local partners
  • To know the market and the agricultural system of the business unit, the strategies and products of the competitors companies, the different technologies that are or will be available and, through this knowledge, guide the technical team and the team Commercial decisions
  • Offer technical support for the sales team regarding product placement and launches that helps to build the business strategy

• Knowledge
  • M.S in one of the agricultural sciences such as plant breeding/genetics, agronomy, plant physiology, entomology, or plant pathology with training and experience in applied sciences preferred or BS with 4 years commercial agronomy experience
  • Knowledge of product development and marketing with thorough knowledge of germplasm, GM trait value, data analysis, variety / hybrid positioning within the key markets
  • Knowledge of agronomic and crop management practices
  • Good understanding of experimental design

• Experience
  • Experience in practical field phenotyping including ground note and remote note collection  
  • Excellent organization and communication
  • Critical evaluation of current agricultural practices related to raising row crops

• Technical, professional and personal capabilities
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and able to work as part of a cross-functional team
  • Ability to understand and communicate complex instructions
  • Excellent presentation skills to a diverse set of audiences and key stakeholders
  • Ability to work autonomously
  • Ability to interact effectively with grower / customer

• Leadership capabilities
  • Encourage open and continuous communication
  • Actively participate as leaders of a multidisciplinary team to move the team toward completion of goals
  • Collaborate effectively across organizational boundaries
  • Set aspirational goals and work tenaciously to reach or exceed them

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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All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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.