Research Associate 3 – Entomology

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 team is currently seeking a Research Associate 3- Entomology located in Malta, IL.

Role Purpose: To conduct and deliver results of robust plant-insect phenotyping assay and field trials, insectary maintenance, and insect production in support of insect resistance trait product development, as well as provide technical and operational support to the broader Trait Evaluation (TE) team.

Responsibilities

• Support corn and soybean GM trait research and product development and native trait projects. (80%)
• Support assay development and improvement, quantitative phenotyping results, and large-scale insectary management. (80%)
• Provide technical and operational support, including but not limited to insect efficacy trials writing, serving as a contact for TE Study Directors, and communicating with Trialing, Operations, and external contract research organizations (CROs) regarding ways of working and field activities. (20%)
• Works independently and within teams to deliver high quality, timely corn insect resistance phenotyping data and technical support for wide array of development projects. (80%)
• Develop, refine, and execute efficient efficacy studies in the field, greenhouse, growth rooms, and laboratory; collaborate to continuously improve efficiency. (80%)
• Perform all activities in accordance with all Syngenta HSE, GM, and QMS policies and Federal (USDA and EPA) and State regulations.
• Supervise seasonal technical personnel and possibly internal research associates.

Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in the agricultural or physical sciences with 2+ years of applied Entomology experience in host-plant-resistance and insectary management.

Preferred: Master’s degree in the agricultural or physical sciences with applied Entomology experience in host-plant-resistance and insectary management.

Critical Experience:

• Applied experience and knowledge in Entomology techniques including large-scale insect production, insect phenotyping/screening techniques, plant-insect assay development/optimization.
• Hands-on experience developing, refining, and conducting successful crop insect phenotyping assays in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory.
• Hands-on experience and capabilities in basic Entomology techniques and insect assay development and optimization.
• Knowledge of insect development strategies to synchronize insects with plant and weather activities.
• Organizational skills needed to simultaneously manage multiple insect field and laboratory experiments.
• Field experience is required.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work as a team member, motivating and supporting the colleagues on the daily routine.
• Must be capable of rapidly developing and conducting efficient, robust plant-insect assays.
• Must network well and leverage skills effectively across diverse functions and team members, to continuously improve methods and processes.

• Work environment varies from greenhouse, laboratory, and field work to typical office and meeting environments.
• Exposure to high and low temperatures in fields, greenhouses, and/or seed stores.
• Capable of standing and sitting for long periods of time. 
• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. 
• Capable of bending, lifting, squatting for several hours at a time to observe and evaluate plant insect responses.
• Capable of working longer hours during time-critical periods of growing season and during travel.
• Exposure to potential allergens such as dust, pollen, fungal spores, and chemical pesticide residues in the field or greenhouse.
• Requires domestic travel with regular overnight stays. 

• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

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, plus paid holidays.
• Salary range: $60,000-70,000 plus bonus (or commensurate with directly applicable experience)
• Maternity/Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs and Corporate Discounts among other benefits.
• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members.

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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.