Research Scientist

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, Monocot Team is currently seeking a Plant Scientist, to be located in Durham, North Carolina. 
Role Purpose

• Has developed breadth and/or depth of skills in plant growth and care under precisely controlled environments, as well as in growth facility systems, processes, and procedures 
• Design, execute and coordinate whole-plant bioassays and gene-efficacy evaluation experiments in greenhouses, growth chambers, and laboratories
• Act as the technical expert in growth chambers and greenhouses; Provides subject matter guidance to other team members
• Collect data and load data into databases; interpret data and present results in order to make contributions to decisions in the work program content, procedures or problem resolution
• Use existing standard procedures to solve problems 
• Collaborate with multiple project and team members within and across functions
• Work 40 hours per week during weekdays and weekend
• Perform all activities in accordance with Syngenta Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy

Accountabilities

• Perform activities including planting, watering, tissue sampling, pollination, harvesting, seed processing; scout and apply pesticides and biologicals to control diseases and pests
• Develop new procedures/standards subjects; Design, test and implement innovative ideas and concepts to optimize plant growth and development
• Collect data and work with databases; interpret and present the data to projects and stake holders; Clear communication of work and results with supervisor and team
• May also lead small multi-disciplinary projects; cooperate with multiple teams within and across functions.
• Provides appropriate documentation for, ensuring the capture of intellectual property
• Willing and able to work during weekends and holidays
   

• Degree in plant biology, crop sciences, plant entomology, or closely related discipline from an accredited university; Prior experience working with greenhouse, crop protection, and biotechnology. Minimum entry qualification of Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of experience, and PhD/MS degree with3 years of experience 
• Must be able to work Holidays and Weekends
• Experience working with a major field crop such as corn and soybean
• Practical experience performing plant phenotyping by using advanced high-throughput technologies including imaging
• Experience in designing and conducting bioassays under controlled environments 
• Proficiency in use of standard Microsoft office software; Experience in using databases
• Experience of supervising / coaching less experienced staff
• Good planning and organizing skills
• Demonstrated excellence as a team player and as a collaborator across functions
• Excellent record keeping skills and demonstrated attention to detail
• Good verbal and written communication skills 
• Commitment and adherence to specific stewardship and quality management practices is essential

Preferred Requirements

• Preferred knowledge and skills in characterization of the interactions between plant and agronomically important insects
• Knowledge of growth facility system, equipment, and operations

• 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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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.