Marketing Research Agronomist - Site Leader - Ames, IA

Have you thought about how to feed the fast growing world population? We have. 

And we are looking for top talent to join our team!

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology.  The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market.  Sales in 2007 were approximately $9.2 billion.  Syngenta employs over 21,000 people in more than 90 countries.  Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). 

Marketing Research Agronomist- Site Leader – Ames, IA 

Role Purpose – 

To identify, design, prepare, plant, maintain, harvest, and analyze agronomic studies on corn and soybean varieties that support the brand campaign message. Types of studies include product characterization, product interaction, technology validation, technology efficacy, and general agronomy. Assist in presentation of educational handouts, reports, updates, and presentations on results of research studies and basic agronomy information for use by Syngenta Seeds personnel in sales calls, dealer training sessions, customer meetings, and influencer updates. Coordinate day-to-day research and farming activities and prioritize personnel workload and task assignments at all research sites in which the station is responsible for.

Accountabilities – 

Assist Agronomy Marketing Manager with determination of research topics and design studies. This involves identifying and prioritizing important study topics, determining seed and other agricultural product entry lists, designing studies, and making all necessary pre-planting preparations to conduct studies (obtaining technology testing agreements, obtaining seed treatment materials, determining common use rates/activities of other agricultural products and obtaining these products for inclusion in studies, creating plot plans and field maps, treating seed, and counting/packaging seed). • Coordinate field activities such as planting, plot maintenance, and harvest of research plots and bulk crop areas. This includes routine site/farm maintenance activities such as tillage, soil sampling, and fertilizer applications, planting plots and bulk areas, applying/implementing treatments, collecting observations and in-season data, and maintaining the plots throughout the growing season. Fall activities include harvest counts and actual plot harvest. • Manage field research/farming activities of Marketing Research Agronomy staff. Includes prioritizing tasks, assigning workloads, and coordination of treatment application and note taking activities of Marketing Research Agronomy staff and part-time workers. • Analyze data and prepare agronomic reports and presentations. Prioritize and conduct statistical analysis of yield and in-season data for each study, including combining data for multi-year and/or multi-site/multi-site-year analyses. Interpret analysis and develop initial presentation plan for discussion with Marketing Research Agronomy group. Write report/update/presentation (or multiples of the three) of group consensus study interpretation in a user friendly and technically sound format. • Present research and general agronomy information to Syngenta Seeds personnel, dealers, customers, prospects, and influencers. Examples of agronomy data presentation opportunities include Seed Advisor Training, Company Conferences, Winter Agronomy Meetings for customers and prospects, Crop Consultant Technical Updates, local dealer meetings, Field day event tours, and one-on-one contact with farmers. Marketing Research Agronomists present information through a number of formal and in-formal avenues and must be able to speak on a wide variety of agronomic and product issues with very short or no notice. • Equipment maintenance. Marketing Research Agronomy equipment must constantly be maintained and updated to insure maximum precision in all treatment applications. This area includes daily routine maintenance activities, seasonal equipment preparation, design and/or design and creation of new pieces of equipment to improve treatment effectiveness and/or general farm efficiency, and a continuing understanding of equipment needs and status. • Personal development. Attend appropriate professional society meetings, university updates, and training seminars, and read scientific literature to maintain a strong agronomic resource base. Attend Company sanctioned and/or outside source training seminars on personal development and communication skills as agreed upon with Argonomy Marketing Manager.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities –

Critical knowledge:

Ph.D. and/or MS in Agronomy / related field or BS in Agronomy with a minimum of 5 years experience with direct involvement in agrononomy research and data analysis. • Strong written and oral communication skills. • Good personnel and facility management skills.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities:

Prioritizes actions and ensure appropriate support and resources. • Helps us see how our objectives are aligned to the company strategy and add value. • Skillfully plans, organizes and monitors performance to meet deadlines. • Coaches people to excel by giving clear, direct and skillful feedback.

Syngenta offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including market-based pay, health/dental insurance, a generous 401(k) program, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance.

Qualified candidates should apply today! Please submit your application online at www.syngentacareers.com. EOE