Research Scientist, Pathology

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 Trait Assessment Team is currently seeking a Research Scientist, Pathology to be located in Malta, Illinois 

Role Purpose 
In the Pathology Research Scientist  role, you will be an influential part of a highly motivated research team at our new Research Innovation Centre in Malta, IL to design, initiate, and conduct research and development projects including field, greenhouse, growth chamber, and lab studies with the focus to support the North American Trait Assessment team for disease resistance trait product development and placement. Research Scientist will support primarily field crops trait product development through provision of timely production of high-quality inoculum, assay methodology development and deliver disease phenotyping results working with cross functional teams.  
 

Accountabilities

• Works independently and within teams to develop protocols, write and execute disease trials to deliver high quality, timely plant disease data and technical support for wide array of development projects.
• Ensures high quality cultures of various species and races of diseases are procured, maintained and produced in adequate supply for disease screening program. 
• Works independently and within teams to collect high quality data and analyses statistically to prepare summaries and reports to share with stakeholders in effective and timely manner, including oral reports and presentations.
• Innovates to improve existing assay methods and develop additional methods to broaden testing spectrum and enhance efficiency.
• Plans and conducts experiments to test, develop, and deploy EDC tools, automated imaging and phenotyping solutions, in consultation with supervisor.
• May source and manage third-party testing including locating and contracting trial co-operators and sites.
• Effectively hires, trains, and supervises seasonal technical personnel and full-time research associates. 
• Procure and maintain USDA APHIS permits and manage all activities in accordance with all Syngenta HSE, GM, and QMS policies and Federal (USDA and EPA) and State regulations.
• Functions as a technical member of the NA Trait Assessment team and may serve on multiple cross functional project teams or represent trait assessment team on various cross functional team meetings in Syngenta.

Requirements

• PhD degree or MS degree + 3 years of experience in plant pathology or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in Plant Pathology field, greenhouse, or lab research including conception, execution, and data analysis.
• Ability to adapt and quickly learn and apply new technologies and skills as technology advances in information technology, processes, data systems, and software / apps.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to network and collaborate with colleagues virtually and in-person to plan work and innovate to improve systems, learn new ways of working, share results 
• Strong planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills across widely varied development activities
• Demonstrable excellence in use of MS Office, especially Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and ability / mindset to implement use of new software / apps

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.  

Preferred Requirements

• 3+ years applied experience in greenhouse/field plant disease screening program.
• Successful experience in pathogen isolate collection/maintenance and disease inoculum production
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise, train, and guide others
• Ability to rapidly learn and effectively use proprietary systems information systems for Greenhouse/field trials writing and protocol development
   

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. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.