Research Associate - Breeding

We invite you to help us shape the future of floriculture. At Syngenta Flowers, we believe every employee has a role to play in bringing plant potential to life and taking care of our planet.

To support that challenge, the Research and Development Team is currently seeking a Breeding Research Associate – Flower in Gilroy, CA. As a BRA you will contribute to the development of innovative flower varieties that focused on the Syngenta Flowers’ 15-year strategy, by assisting flower breeders in performing a variety of routine technical duties to support the development innovative and competitive varieties for priority markets. You will also be involved with the breeders in early development evaluation and be a key technical contributor to different stages of flower product trialing activities for the flower group in Gilroy. Last but not least, the Breeding Research Associate will support the breeding activities for the trait discovery.

Accountabilities

• Assist the Flower Breeders in conducting day to day activities in the field and greenhouses including, but not limited to prepare R&D trial seeds per breeder’s instruction, deliver seeds and label format to operation team in a timely manner, collect trial and patent data in greenhouses and fields, input and upload data to breeding database, and manage germplasm inventory in the seed vault.
• Assist in field and greenhouse management for R&D trials. Attend meetings with operation teams, trouble shoot trial issues for future preventive measures, monitor plant conditions, growth stages, and diseases, report to breeders and coordinate with growers to take necessary actions as needed.
• Coordinate with operation team, take lead on, and participate critical breeding activities. For example, work closely with pollination team to make sure pollination plan is conducted properly. 
• Deliver R&D trial instructions to operation team, including the generation and completion of forms / Smartsheet for cross team communication, to ensure R&D trials done properly and efficiently. Take lead on training greenhouse crew to follow special trial instructions including but not limited to special pollination methods, new R&D project tasks such as DNA sampling, and leaf sample lyophilization.  
• Be able to take accountable projects, such as pollinations for creating new germplasm and special breeding population development.
• Collaborate with other Gilroy staff (Operations, Growers, Pathologist, R&D administrators, Data Scientists etc.) to assist other scientific programs as per requirement.
• Complete other tasks as assigned.
• Perform all tasks in a manner consistent with and in support of all company policies and practices related to safety and compliance, including completion of all required training courses.

Please note:  this position is 100% onsite in Gilroy, CA.  Candidate must already be based in the US and eligible to work without sponsorship.

• BSc or MSc in Plant Breeding or Horticulture with relevant knowledge of plant genetics and breeding.
• Experience in a plant breeding program including planting, growing, note taking, and harvesting research plots.
• Experience with research database and Smartsheet is desirable.
• Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office and business software.

Core Capabilities:

• Require great attention to detail and strong organization capabilities to meet project goals and deadlines.
• Positive and proactive mindset and agility (communication, seeking solutions).
• Analytical mind to examine problems to find and propose the best solutions.
• Strongly result orientated and commercial mindset.
• Working flexible hours or over-time on short notice may be required.
• Must be able to work in the office and fields/greenhouses under various ambient conditions, particularly reduced air-quality and in periods of high temperatures possibly exceeding 90 °F.

• 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
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC)
Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

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Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 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.