Rice Germplasm Development Lead - India

Role purpose:

• To lead, plan, manage and support the end-to-end delivery of Rice germplasm development in India in working very closely with enabling team, trialing team and head of rice seeds development, APAC. Provide sound leadership and support to sustain and further grow our market leadership position by providing best in class seed products to our customers in India
• To effectively manage the delivery of Rice GD strategy in the development of highly engaged and high performing GD team that reliably delivers superior and profitable hybrids as defined in the target product profile with a strong customer focused mindset
• Plan, design, execute parental line development projects including design the hybrid combinations form stage 2 to stage 6 by using prediction tools considering GCA and GEBV values of parental lines and inbred profile data relevant to TPP
• Plan and lead the effective breeding operations for parental line and hybrid seed production with the prescribed budget and bring in operational excellence. Ensure the constant exchange of methodology and best practice within the team
• Lead the implementation of new staging system and genomic selection in rice. Champion the use of modern breeding, advancement and placement tools along with Analytics and Data science to increase genetic gain
• Cultivate synergies with functions that help translate breeding advancements into successful commercial products (P&S; commercial)

Accountabilities:

• To lead rice germplasm development in India working very closely with relevant teams like Enabling, Trialing, Discovery breeding, AGS (Applied Genetics Scientist) Trait Development and PPP teams to manage product development activities relative to focused market segments in India including:

1. Lead in designing, planning and implementing breeding projects that lead to the development of superior lines and hybrids that satisfies the TPP for Indian Rice segments
2. Champion the use of the modern breeding methods along with Analytics and Data science to increase genetic gain
3. Plan breeding project crosses and associated testing including use of tester(s).
4. Lead the implementation of genomic slection and new stage gate system in rice
5. Regularly update and communicate early development hybrids, best line list, strengths/weaknesses of lines and other pipeline statistics such as number of hybrids in each stage, number of plots, etc.,
6. Manage the advancements and make selections of early development pipeline, timely analysis of data, use of recent analytical tools and present in advancement meetings       

• Measure and monitor key performance indicator relative to pipeline performance and program efficiency.  Leverage performance metrics and benchmarking to work towards maximum efficiency of germplasm improvement (genetic gain).
• Ensure appropriate technology integration in germplasm improvement projects and product development processes. Plan, evaluate and implement where appropriate marker-assisted breeding (MAB), allele enrichment, DH, RGA and other breeding tools.
• Lead and manage the Rice breeding operations to implement best in class operations that is aligned to Operations of Future and bring in the fit for purpose mechanization in breeding operations. Bring in automation and quick data turn around time.
• Responsible for delivering the operations budget and for building Rice Opex and Capex plans. Ensure that the Rice SD sites operate in compliance with COC, HSE and company policies.
• Communicate and support actions required from various local and global teams and monitor follow-up
• Coordinate with Enabling Technologies, Trialing, Seed Production research, Parent seed and F1 Production team, Legal, Commercial teams etc.
• Timely communication with different stakeholders. Ensure the timelines interims of delivery / results are properly met with appropriate intervention and follow-up

Syngenta Seeds

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs.

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities:

Critical Knowledge:

• A thorough knowledge of breeding theory (genetics, statistics, genetic gain theory and field plot technique), relevant germplasm and a very strong knowledge of Genomic selection and marker applications to breeding.
• Should have managed a successful breeding program and/or successfully lead large operations within R&D
• Ph.D. in plant breeding with 10 years of demonstrated commercial hybrid rice experience
• Good communication skills and ability to operate across cultures and geographies, and across businesses where there are few established processes to get things done.

Critical Skills:  

• Excellent leadership skills with a proven track record, Excellent organization, communication and computer skills.   
• Excellent interpersonal skills, especially those required to successfully function as part of a cross-functional team. 
• Thorough understanding of R&D processes and sufficient knowledge to identify the critical issues and engage effectively with people.

Critical Experience:

• Demonstrated experience of at least 15 years as a successful breeder/breeding lead is highly desirable
• Experience of complex technical portfolio/project management within the company, with good cross functional collaboration capability.
• Experience in operating independently in a complex matrix environment

Leadership Capabilities:

• Builds a culture of innovation
• Focuses on customers
• Collaborates across boundaries
• Communicates with impact
• Develops people, organization and self
• Strives for Operational Excellence
• Leads change

People are at the heart of what we do:

• Once a year Full body check
• Competitive insurance scheme
• Employee assistance program – to take care of your and your loved ones mental health
• Paid Vacation of 30days, 12 Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, compassionate leaves
• Education assistance – for your career growth
• People first culture translated into ‘Most Preferred place to work 2022-23 by Times group’

Note: 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, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

 To learn more visit: www.syngenta.com and www.good-growth-plan

 Follow us on: Twitter & LinkedIn:

·       Twitter

·       LinkedIn