Trait Introgression Research Associate

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 NA Trait Introgression Team is currently seeking a Trait Introgression Research Associate, to be located in Stanton, MN

Role Purpose 
The Stanton Trait Introgression Team is responsible for planting, trait screening, cycling, and plant tissue sampling for molecular analyses, supporting the North America (NA) Crop Market Segments, and the Trait Introgression (TI) and Trait Delivery (TD) functions within the Applied Genetics Organization.  The NA Trait Introgression Research Associate will support GM and native trait introgression, screening, and evaluation efforts, contributing to the generation of key information that drives product advancement decisions in the NA Corn Pipeline.

Accountabilities

• Work as a member of the NA Trait Introgression Stanton Greenhouse Team with a focus on corn sterility systems. 
•  Collaborate in greenhouse rapid cycling activities related to the development of corn inbred donors for sterility. Actively participate in associated activities including planting, transplanting, pollination, tissue-sampling, and harvesting, executing protocols outlined by the TI Team.
• Actively collaborate with the execution of plant tissue-sampling projects, working on the request, preparation, and submission of samples following established protocols, procedures, and timelines. Report the status and progress of the projects to team members, projects’ coordinators, and projects’ stakeholders. 
• Implement and execute greenhouse protocols for the screening of corn inbreds and hybrids to inform product advancement decisions. Participate in associated activities, including planting, trial scouting, note-taking, data collection, documentation, and reporting.
• Follow data management best practices in requesting, tracking, and executing greenhouse projects.
• Aid in devising processes, protocols, techniques, and/or equipment to optimize plant tissue-sampling, GM, and native trait screening in greenhouse and in the field, and associated activities.
• Assist in the organization of seed and tissue storage activities associated with Stanton Greenhouse Trait Introgression products.
• Participate in field and/or greenhouse planting, tissue-sampling, and pollinating activities, as required during peak season(s).
• Supervise third-party labor to execute projects, achieve deliverables, and meet project deadlines. 
• Promptly report and communicate technical problems of projects to the Greenhouse Trait Screening and Rapid Cycling Coordinator, or to the Male Sterility Characterization Coordinator.
• Effectively communicate with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and related work activities.
• Perform all tasks and responsibilities in a manner compliant with and in support of all health and safety (HSE) and stewardship-based company policies and practices.
• Maintain department inventories to the standards of Regulatory Compliance and stewardship.
• This position considers several actions distributed across Markets Segments. Ability to complete these tasks is required.
   

Requirements

• B.S. degree in a plant-related science (Crop Science, Horticulture, Agronomy, Botany). 
• Ability to work in a team setting and communicate with individuals of different backgrounds and levels of expertise throughout the Product, Trait Introgression, and Trait Delivery Teams.
• Ability to work in laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions.
• Ability to organize and manage workload of multiple tasks in an effective manner.
• Good verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Must be willing to collaborate across teams/functions to accomplish team project goals and objectives.
• Ability to complete objectives and tasks on time.
• Must be detail-oriented, with focus on quality and accuracy
• Ability to use and support Syngenta’s proprietary IT systems for sample submission and tissue inventory management.
• Experience in greenhouse management, plant propagation, tissue culture, plant cycling, and/or trait introgression.
• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, and other standard software.
• Ability to learn and use proprietary systems for trial management, label printing, and seed inventory management.
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies and protocols.
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License within 1 year
• Preferred Requirements:
• A basic understanding of plant genetics, breeding, and data analysis is desirable.
• A basic understanding of project management principles
• Demonstrated experience supervising crews/operational teams.
• Ability to supervise multiple and diverse third-party employees.
• Must be willing to accommodate new research initiatives on a regular basis.
• Knowledge and experience managing, processing, and analyzing large datasets.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  
Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse.  Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.  Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season

WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Field, greenhouse, laboratory, office.  Domestic and international travel required with occasional overnight stays. Stays at off-season production/nursery locations may extend to two to three weeks.  Potential allergens pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.
Seasonal travel to off-station testing locations, project meetings, and winter nursery locations

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.