Sweet Corn Breeding - Associate Scientist

• Establish the different phenotyping needs and activities to secure trial data collection and data storage.
• Execute acceptable trials and data analysis to support data driven decisions for early development through late-stage breeding activities
• Act as primary contact and coordinator of breeding projects, collaborating with the Project Team (field operations, late-stage breeding, and genotyping teams) to plan, initiate, and execute projects
• Manage trial administration, seed stocks and seed productions related to the projects, including organization of seed health testing, seed movement, and seed shipment tracking
• Update databases with required information necessary for tracking biological entities and meet KPI requirements
• The Associate Scientist role represents the interface between the R&D Crop Team Leadership (Breeding, Genetic, and Trait Project Leads) and field operations teams. They ensure project execution in R&D meets the quality expectations set by the Project Lead of a given project and secures the high-quality data generation, storage and analysis for data driven development processes.

Accountabilities

• Organize trial data collection, data management, storage and analysis (discovery to late-stage trialing)
• Provide technical data to breeder in support of variety advancement
• Collaboration with field operations teams through timely planning and clear guidance on crop management requests
• Organize field and greenhouse testing in conjunction with breeding, genetics, traits, and field operations teams
• Secure crop process from sowing to harvest: planning, request, sowing list and/or planting list, organize pollination plan, harvest list, and seed health prevention measures.
• Establish and maintain good relationships with external cooperators
• Organize marker assisted selection logistics including seed/tissue sampling, lab coordination, and coordination/execution of field activities driven by lab results
• Manage seed productions and seed stocks
• Secure seed logistic and seed transfer according to internal rules in collaboration with operations team
• Integrate new and/or supporting technologies to increase efficiencies and/or accuracies in breeding program
• Regular reporting to project leads, with frequency to be defined by relevant project lead(s)
• Develop excellence within Associate Scientist community across crops and stations

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. 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.

• BS degree in genetics, plant breeding, or plant sciences and 3-5 years of experience required; MSc (preferred)
• Knowledge of agronomy, genetics, and breeding
• Experience working with plants and crops (in the field)
• Strong knowledge of trial design, data management, data analysis and statistics
• Good knowledge of agronomic techniques, plant cultivation and crop handling relevant to the assigned crop
• Ability to learn and use proprietary R&D software systems
• Experience in managing and analyzing large data sets
• Basic knowledge of market request, product profiles and breeding targets.

Critical Skills 

• Proactive attitude and a strong motivation towards working with plants
• Ability to manage and analyze large data sets
• Ability to learn and use proprietary R&D software systems
• Ability to work in a multicultural, de-centralized and multifunctional team
• Ability/willingness to travel regionally and occasionally globally
• Basic understanding of project management and planning

Physical Demands 

• Physically fit to work long days in the field or greenhouse under a variety of environmental conditions
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds
• Repeated bending and twisting of torso and wrist

• 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
• Salary range $65,600 - $82,000

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.
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