Research Associate 2

About Us
At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, the Seeds Development Operations Team is currently seeking a Research Associate 2, to be located in Clinton, IL 

Role Purpose 
The purpose of the Research Associate 2 is to lead the execution of corn nursery seed production, strictly follow HSE and Stewardship practices, provide quality seed meeting quantity and timeline targets to assist scientists in delivering project goals, as well as to support site management with the functional activities of a research station.

Accountabilities

• Functioning as an integral member of a team leading aspects of packaging, planting, cultivating, note taking and harvesting in seed production nurseries.
• Responsible for efforts to maintain integrity of seed inventory, packaging, field layout, pollinating, seed processing, and data collection.
• Performing all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety and stewardship related company policies and practices, including completing all required company training courses.
• Leading tasks completed by other FTE staff and third-party contract labor to achieve desired results.
• Provide daily direction to contract staff
• Provide task specific training to FTEs and contract staff
• Leading complex projects and deliver on key targets.
• Understand and operate within given budget
• Effectively communicating regularly with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities. 
   

Requirements

• B.S. Degree in an agricultural, manufacturing related discipline and/or relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with precision agriculture/manufacturing equipment and software systems
• Ability to develop an understanding of the practices and procedures that affect nursery seed production quality, quantity, and timelines.
• Demonstrated outstanding communication skills
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history and ability to obtain a Chemical Applicators License within 3 of hire date
• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word, Excel, Power Point and other standard office software.
• Ability to learn, use, and support proprietary IT systems.
• Demonstrated initiative and implementation of specific, measurable performance objectives.
• Must be able to work independently and will travel to off-site locations to accurately collect and manage data obtained from trials.
• Plant, lead manual pollination crews, maintain and harvest seed production trials to meet deadlines.
• Coordinate and manage workload to complete objectives and tasks.
• Must be detail oriented, and drive attention to accuracy.
• Basic understanding of seed technology industry and/or high throughput manufacturing
• Experience with precision industrial equipment and software systems
• History of implementation of continuous improvements and new innovations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  
Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field.  Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.  Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods.

WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Field, laboratory, warehouse, manufacturing, office.  Domestic travel with occasional overnight stays.  Potential allergenspollen, fungal spores, insects, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.
 

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, 9Paid 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. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.