Trait Assessment Scientist

ROLE PURPOSE:

• • Responsible for a portfolio of pathology assays and delivery of discovery strategies defined by the project teams.
  • Coordinate a team of researchers, scientists for characterization of germplasm to pathogens and pest.
  • Ensure planning, execution, and follow-up of disease resistance tests in controlled (lab, growth chamber), semi-controlled (nursery/greenhouse) or open environments (field- in house, hot spots)
  • Responsible for standardizing and development of new Phenotyping protocols for pathology traits to screen the germplasm of variety of vegetable crops and flowers.
  • Provide expertise during plant disease surveys and implement diagnosis in scouting of emerging diseases.
  • Support team members to achieve their operational goals, providing clarity and complete understanding about the strategies and the resources available to support definition of individual priorities.
  • Team management and expertise development.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Authority level:

In-charge for the specific project activity in each crop at site.

Functional Responsibility:

• Plan, coordinate, and conduct pathology trials from beginning to end independently in alignment with the Trait Development Strategy.
• Performs data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, perform basic statistical analysis and protocol compliance.
• Ability to execute independently on assigned goals and achieve the timelines for key deliverables of project teams.
• Review processes, results and lead optimization of the data and processes. Promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Develop techniques and technologies applicable to high-throughput and/or precision phenotyping. Act as driver to have state of the art technologies, methods, procedures, and structures implemented.
• Coordinate a team of researcher/scientist associate and research assistants to perform routine activities according to the standard protocols and processes, for characterization of Syngenta germplasm to pathogens and pest.
• Prepares reports of completed projects to support leadership decision making, to use in further applied or theoretical research activities.
• Participate regularly in global or regional technical networks, prepare, and deliver presentations to the project team and stakeholders.
• Responsible to write and define standards and SOPs for Trait Assessment processes and procedures.
• Promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. Assume other supervisory responsibility as needed.
• Responsible for maintenance of all laboratory equipment and inventories as pathogen cultures, consumables, equipment maintenance schedules.
• Coordinate the daily facilities operations such as Laboratory and Greenhouse, supervising all maintenance of the facility, and maintaining records.
• Create and monitor Trait Assessment metrics (KPI´s) to track compliance and process effectiveness and define the reporting to the leadership and stakeholder groups.
• Provides high scientific and specialist/subject matter expertise and leadership that support to define the functional or organizational strategy

Administrative responsibility:

• Timely reporting of work responsibilities to line manager.
  • Monitoring trait project technicians/trait project lab assistants /workers for output of the results, crop cultivation, screening, population development, etc. on time.
  • Planning for judicious use of resources in coordination with biological operation, breeding team and TDLs
  • Regularly update monthly reports and work slate trackers.
  • Analyse department productivity and efficiency and identify and implement improvements.

Financial responsibility.

• Cost effective work management, utilisation of available resources for maximum output, measure return on investments made, economic usage of inputs.

HSE role and responsibility:

• Complies country and site HSE regulations.
• Lead by example, always exhibiting the highest regard for health, safety, and the environment.
• Identify risks and consequences quickly and makes swift reporting in the dedicated tool and action while being proactive in continually improving systems of work.
• Prompt reporting of all safety incidents / accidents / near misses and potential hazards to line manager / HSE supervisor.

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 SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Critical Knowledge:

• Disease symptomatology & plant response to pathogens; Pathogen identification and laboratory techniques; Basics of Molecular Plant Pathology; Genetics of disease resistance traits.
• Real time work experience in disease resistance traits in relation to breeding and academic training in understanding the genetics of resistance would be considered as a plus.

Critical Skills:

• Plant-Pathogen / Insect Symptomology Screening techniques - lab & field; artificial screening and plant disease assessment of germplasm & hybrids and breeding materials; Statistics in data handling; Disease Diagnostics skills as ELISA / PCR etc.
• Analytical thinking and solution-oriented mindset
• Ability to working independently, solve problems through logical reasoning, the application of scientific principles, and good experimental design.

• Demonstrated ability to influence partners, build consensus, gain support, and inspire others. Working in a multicultural, global team.
• Good verbal communication skills to effectively manage the employees and set clear expectations for job assignments. Ability to analyse data/results, summarize findings and present them in ways easily understandable to decision-makers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-based and cross-functional team environment; create a positive and cooperative work environment.

Critical Experience & Educational Qualifications: 

• Master’s or PhD in Plant pathology; at least 5 - 8 years or more experience or related field experience for disease screening and plant disease assessment of relevant vegetable crops and its execution, disease/insect resistance and management.
• Computer basics (Microsoft word and excel, power point).
• Experience on seed research business operations, preferably with an experimental background and leading scientific teams.
• Demonstrated experience on performing several trials at the same time under Laboratory, Field, and Controlled environment to vegetable crops.
• Ability to analyse data and draw scientific inferences to be able to lead discussions with critical stakeholders.
• Knowledge and experience with common data base management, data analyses, and presentation.

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

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