Research Associate 2

About Us
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 Research Associate for the Research and Development Operations team in Junction City, KS.

Role Purpose:
Supporting the operation team’s efforts to deliver high quality test seed for multi-regional hybrid wheat trials.
Critically engage with operations team to understand and improve our ability to meet targets for quantity, quality and efficiency of seed production breeding nurseries.
This role will assist in off-site nursery management and on-site operations.

Accountabilities 

• Function as an integral member of a team supporting packaging, planting, note taking and harvesting nurseries.
• Maintain integrity of seed inventory, packaging, field layout, agronomics, seed processing, and data collection.
• Lead groups of people to complete tasks related to wheat seed production
• Train, oversee, and lead third-party contract labor to achieve desired results.
• Communicate regularly with supervisors, breeders, and peers regarding the status of projects and work activities.
• Support all safety and stewardship related company policies and practices, including completing all required training courses
• Working with others locally and regionally to accomplish goals of the larger team.
• Review and analyze data to provide continuous process improvement.
• Travel to off-site locations to accurately collect data and manage production nurseries.
   

Requirements

• 3 or more years of relevant agriculture experience, preferably in the seed Industry.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems.
• Domestic travel to off-station testing locations, project meetings and equipment trainings with occasional overnight stays required. (Up to 30% travel for support during peak planting and harvest activities)
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history required.
• Possess a valid chemical applicator’s license and Class A CDL or have the ability and willingness to obtain them within 1 year of employment.
• Be comfortable operating agricultural equipment.
• Ability and willingness to work extended hours during critical periods of the growing season and as needed. 
• Must possess exceptional communication skills with ability to present to groups outside department.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and driven. Perform tasks with accuracy, precision, and haste.
• Must be authorized to work for Syngenta in the United States without work authorization sponsorship
• Must be proficient with MS Office, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other standard office software.
• Ability to learn, use, and support proprietary IT systems.

Preferred Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural or related discipline .
• Having a solid understanding of plant genetics and crop improvement is highly preferred.
• Have a basic understanding of wheat production practices.

Physical demands of the essential functions: 

• Work environment varies from lab, greenhouse and field to typical office and meeting environments 
• Exposure to high and low temperatures in greenhouse, field, or cold seed store 
• Capable of standing, sitting, bending, lifting, squatting for several hours at a time in lab, greenhouse, growth chamber, or field to conduct essential physical work of role 
• Potential exposure to allergens / irritants such as dust, pollen, fungal spores, and chemical pesticide residues in the field or greenhouse 
• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds  
• Capable of working longer hours during time-critical periods and during travel
• Able to drive long distance for domestic travel with overnight stays specially during time-critical periods of growing season.

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 
• Paid vacation, 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.