Research Associate, Molecular Marker Lab, MN

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). 

Research Associate 

Role Purpose – Molecular Marker Lab – Stanton, MN – 1005 

The Molecular Marker Laboratory is responsible for generating and analyzing large volumes of DNA marker data on field corn, sweet corn, and soybeans using various marker systems, as well as effectively communicating these data to scientists throughout the Syngenta organization. Our project goal is to integrate and apply developing molecular marker technologies faster and more efficiently than all others in our industry. This position is essential to fulfill our project goal, and is responsible for executing laboratory processes necessary to complete marker-assisted plant breeding projects.

Accountabilities – 

Function as a member of a diverse project team. Will interact with peers, lab personnel, assay development personnel, and customers from diverse business units. • Use Magenta and associated tools for experiment set up and data storage. • Score and analyze genotypic data using GenoSNP and Genotyper, develop data summaries using BackCross and Excel macros, interpret results, and make appropriate conclusions and recommendations. • Prepare technical reports, summaries, protocols, and deliver oral presentations to peers. Contribute to weekly analysis group meetings, monthly and annual marker lab meetings. • Update Project Status Summary and other task tracking tools in a timely manner. • Collaboratively analyze and solve technical problems. Projects will be distributed by the project coordinator. Self-motivated and make short-term plans for own day-to-day activities. • Learn the background of experiments and customer projects. Read and understand scientific literature, participate in meetings and share relevant information with others.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities –

Critical knowledge:

Bachelors Degree / Associate degree in Genetics / Biotechnology (RA I) • Bachelors Degree and significant experience 2-3 years in a relevant field (RA II) • Bachelors Degree with 5+ year experience, or Masters Degree in Genetics / Biotechnology (RA III)

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities:

Ability to effectively use DNA marker analysis software. • Ability to effectively use Excel, Access and other Microsoft Office programs. • Ability to work well in a team and to communicate with individuals throughout various levels of our organization. • Ability and motivation to learn and apply new technologies. • Ability to use professional concepts in accordance with company objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways. • Ability to work on complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors. Ability to determine methods and procedures on new assignments and can provide guidance to other personnel. • Strong understanding of Mendelian and Population Genetics, Experimental Statistics • Good knowledge of genome organization, gene structure and genetic engineering

Critical success factors & key challenges: • Understand how work relates to the project goals and Syngenta goals.

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

Research Associate - Wisconsin

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). 

 

Research Associate-Janesville, WI 999

 

Role Purpose –

The purpose of the Research Associate is to support local Product Development Scientists in their efforts to create superior products and support the Station Manager's targeted goals for precision, accuracy and efficiency in site operations.

 

Accountabilities –

Functioning as an integral member of a team responsible for packaging, planting, cultivating, stand counting and harvesting yield trials, breeding nurseries and isolation top crosses. • Supporting efforts to maintain integrity of seed Inventory, packaging, field layout, pollinating, and shelling and data collection. • Performing all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety related company policies and practices, including completing all required Company training courses and attending local safety meetings. • Overseeing tasks completed by third-party labor to achieve accurate results. • Effectively communicating regularly with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities. • Equipment Maintenance - Perform all necessary maintenance and repairs to equipment and pool vehicles at the   station - Clean equipment following each season - Store equipment efficiently in the storage building - Organize equipment and shop storage space • Assist with hand harvesting nursery and isolation material • Assist with seed shelling, cleaning and treating • Assist with machine and hand counting of seed • Nursery Crew Supervisor - Training of pollination crew assigned - Ensure quality and efficiency • Plant yield trial and nursery material • Arrange yield trial and nursery seed in planting order • Assist with hoeing or spray weeds in the nursery and around buildings • Combine operation • Lead crews in taking notes; such as plant and ear height, root lodging and stalk lodging • Help with building maintenance, cleanliness and organization • Assist the safety officer with training and safety inspections • Cultivate yield trial fields if required • Identify, correct or notify superiors of any potential errors or problems • Provide support to the research associates with various other tasks

 

Knowledge, experience & capabilities –

Critical knowledge • A four-year degree in an agricultural related discipline and/or relevant experience. • A working knowledge of farming equipment. • A valid drivers' license and the ability to obtain a class A CDL is critical. • A basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding is desirable. • Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that affect trial data precision and           accuracy. • Understand and use of modern agronomic practices. Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities • Ability to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, and other standard software. • Ability to use proprietary systems (SPIRIT) for label printing and inventory   management. • Ability and motivation to learn new technologies. • Ability to obtain a Commercial Applicator's License to administer Restricted Use Pesticides. Critical leadership capabilities • Create Edge    Manages uncertainty and risk with confidence • Drive Results    Adapts to the changing environment to achieve excellence in delivery

 

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

Research Associate

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). 

Research Development – Kunia, HI  - 1000

Role Purpose – The purpose of the Research Technician is to support all Soybean Product Development Scientists in their efforts to create superior products and support the Soybean Nursery Manager's targeted goals for precision, accuracy and efficiency in site operations at a continuous breeding nursery.

Accountabilities – Functioning as an integral member of a team responsible for packaging, planting, cross pollinating, tissue sampling, harvesting, and turnaround of soybean seed in screen houses and in the field. Supporting efforts to maintain integrity of seed inventory, packaging, field/screen house layout, pollinating, tissue sampling, threshing, and data collection in a continuous breeding nursery. Performing all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety related company policies and practices, including completing all required Company training courses and attending local safety meetings. Comply with all regulatory and stewardship protocols. Oversee tasks completed by third-party labor to achieve desired results. Effectively communicating regularly with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities – A four-year degree in an agriculture related discipline and/or relevant experience A working knowledge of farming equipment. A valid driver's license is critical. A basic understanding of soybean breeding practices and/or other self-pollinated crops is desirable. Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that affect data precision and accuracy. Understand and use modern agronomic practices.

Critical knowledge: Experience in seed research and operation and day to day maintenance of related equipment.

Critical Skills: Ability to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, and other standard software. Ability to use proprietary systems (SPIRIT) for label printing and inventory management. Ability and motivation to learn new technologies.

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

Agronomy Pesticide Group Lead Research Associate - Hawaii!

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). 

Agronomy Pesticide Group Lead Research Associate – Kekaha, HI - 998

Role Purpose – 

In a highly team-oriented environment the Agronomy Research Associate will coordinate all pesticide activities. Working in conjunction with Agronomy Operation this will include effective planning and execution of pesticide applications, Worker Protection Standard compliance, Stewardship and regulatory compliance, maintenance of equipment and development of pesticide program to safely and reliably meet current and future crop care requirements. The Research Associate will train and supervise full time staff to provide effective and efficient field execution. The effectiveness of this position is measured by Nursery, Trait and Parent Seed groups meeting their timelines and returning target amounts of high quality seed, achieving across year reliability of seed increases and crosses, and maintaining budget efficiency.

Accountabilities – 

Develop and schedule pesticide applications to provide quality crop protection with minimal impact to environment. • Provide communication across group functions to ensure health and safety. • Equipment calibration, maintenance and repair. • Compliance to Federal and State laws regarding pesticides. • Maintain inventories and accurate records. • Contribute to SOP refinement, development. • Execute SOPs developed by Site Management Team. • Regular updates and written progress reports, timelines and needs communicated as requested by managers. • Continuous improvement through Quality Management • Communicate and solve staffing needs (assembling proper crew for necessary activities). • Develop and maintain productive working relationships with all Hawaii staff.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities –

Critical knowledge:

Thorough working knowledge of pesticides and safe application to row crops. • Working knowledge of different spray vessels i.e. self propelled, 3-point and their calibration methods. • Ability to conduct field diagnoses and perform troubleshooting to application equipment. • Good understanding of other agronomic/cultural practices (irrigation, tillage, IPM, planting). • Knowledge of and ability to use computer software for data management. E.g., Word, Excel, Access. • Knowledge of seed crop research, production and quality assurance practices.

Critical experience:

B.S. in agriculture or equivalent experience in tropical agricultural research preferred. • Knowledge of farm operations and agronomy necessary. • Ability to maintain/obtain a Private Applicator and CAT 10 Applicator's License. • The successful candidate will also demonstrate strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. Strong computer skills are helpful. • The ability to function effectively as a team member and to perform detailed work is necessary. • The ideal candidate will also be flexible, adaptable and safety-oriented.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities:

Ability to establish priorities and oversee multiple crews simultaneously at peak work periods. • Excellent leadership, team building and interpersonal skills, especially those required to successfully function as part of a cross-functional team. • Excellent analytical, organizational, planning and problem solving skills. • Ability to understand, communicate, supervise, and execute complex instructions. • Capacity to innovate in a focused and product-oriented manner.

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

Research Associate, Quality - Kunia, Hawaii!

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). 

Research Associate, Quality – Kunia, HI

Role Purpose – 

The role and responsibility of the Quality Assurance Supervisor QAS is to ensure that Syngenta DH processes are executed in strict adherence to established technical protocols and guidelines to meet production and quality targets in the most efficient and timely manner while adhering to company and DH-specific HSE policies. Working under the direction of the Nursery Manager, the Research Associate makes sure that DH quality management programs and standards, and HSE policies are clearly interpreted, implemented, and met through the various functional levels, from the acceptance of induced projects to shipping of DH ears to breeder/owners.

Accountabilities – 

Ensure the integrity and purity of all breeding materials throughout the entire DH process, from the reception of DH topcross induction projects to shipping DH ears to breeder/owners. Accountabilities in this area include following quality management and control procedures through: o properly and accurately sorting out induction materials by populations, labeling and storing; o managing the entire haploid screening; o preparing haploid seeds for germination; o strict adherence to sowing-germination procedures including error-free labeling of all sown materials; o managing the pre-rootdip preparations of seedlings for doubling treatment; o managing potting; o managing transplanting (i.e. sequencing and accurate labeling of every population); o accurate labeling-identification of all harvested DH ears through shipping. • Ensure that the physical conditions and material quantity-quality requirements for doubling treatment are prepared in a timely and safe manner; • Perform doubling procedures with strict adherence to established technical and safety protocols and best laboratory management practices; • Laboratory and safety supplies management (inventory, purchasing) including accurate recording of chemical usage, waste disposal documentation; • Strict implementation-compliance to company-DH HSE policies and standards, including but not limited to: conduct of DH-related safety trainings, internal safety audit, proper use and disposal of PPEs, hazard communication to include warning labels, handling, storage, management of disposal of waste materials), process documentation; • Maintenance and upkeep of the doubling laboratory and DH work environment (i.e. equipment calibration, chemical handling fixtures and devices, chemical storage, water supply system, waste materials containments, environmental and growth monitoring equipment, housekeeping) • Assist in the conduct of experiments on alternative doubling models (e.g. hydroponics and the associated quality control in the preparation and monitoring-maintaining grow solutions); • Gathering, collating, and encoding of all experimental data; • Managing the dryer processing of DH harvest (i.e. monitoring and recording of moisture status of harvest testers in the dryer(s); • Regular soil (and plant tissues, if needed) sampling on DH Baby nursery; • Work jointly with Project Staff in scheduling work and allocating labor crew on a weekly basis; • Assist in all quality-assurance related crew training and skills development in all DH work to include pollination work; • Assist DH management on workers' performance evaluation; • Takes over the responsibilities of any Project Supervisor when the latter is away from work.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities –

Critical knowledge:

BS degree in quality assurance-related discipline. • Broad knowledge of soil-plant-environment relationship; corn production cultural/agronomic requirements and plant growth and development; • Basic biological and plant physiological concepts particularly cell function; • Knowledge and direct exposure to corporate HSE policy environment;

Critical experience:

Minimum three years intensive quality assurance work in a laboratory and/or field setting; previous or current experience in corn double haploid quality management work highly preferred; • Best Management Practices exposure in a process-laboratory setting and ability to translate these into procedures; • Operational skills on basic laboratory equipment (weighing scales/analytical balance, ph-CEC meters, environmental monitoring devices); • Above average problem-identification and -solving skills; • Track record of supervisory and human relations/people-skills; • Experience managing a large multi-ethnic field crew; • Proficiency in mathematical computations; • Computer-literate.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities:

Corn husbandry in both the laboratory and field setting; • Interpretation of MSDS, labels; safe handling of hazardous chemicals; • Openness to technological innovations; • Previous experience and exposure to fast-paced and stressful corporate environment; • Good interpersonal relations and organizational ability; • Team-builder and ability to resolve conflict and achieve a win-win solution; • Ability to integrate the various component parts and synergies; • Concept of hygiene, safety and sustainable environment;

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

Aloha Hawaii! Research Associate - Sunny Location

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). 

Research Associate, Kunia, HI

Role Purpose – 

Manage and execute conversion projects for the incorporation of traits into Syngenta germplasm.

Accountabilities – 

Execute assigned conversion projects independently including nursery writing, planting, sampling, harvesting, shelling, and shipping. o Maximum cycle time of 120 days from planting to the next planting o Projects may utilize different protocols and have different timelines • Work with 3rd party labor provider to ensure adequate staff are available for conversion project execution • Translate lab data from ELISA and taqman analyses into selection decisions in trials • Continuously assess agronomic and plant health conditions of trial material, and promptly report any issues requiring action • Assist in the physical and electronic management of seed inventory of assigned projects. • Provide timely updates on nursery trial progress • As needed, participate in station teams and initiatives • Understand and fully comply with Trait Stewardship policies and processes. • Understand Site Work Instructions and protocols pertaining to trait conversion function. • Encourage safety awareness and fully support station safety objectives. • Train seasonal staff assigned to project in skill sets required to successfully execute assigned projects.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities –

Critical knowledge:

B.S. degree in a scientific discipline or the equivalent of at least three years of experience in a related field.

Critical experience:

Experience in corn trait conversion activities, or in trait conversion programs of other crops. • Experience in working with regulated traits in field environments • Experience in continuous nursery. Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities • Ability to use personal computer and standard office software. • Ability to develop an understanding of or an existing competency in the principles of corn breeding. • Ability to learn and develop proficiency with complex plant breeding software applications • Ability to work both in a team and as a self-directed individual. • Ability and motivation to learn new technologies and concepts. • Ability to provide day to day direction to employees as required. • May be required to obtain a pesticide operators license and commercial driver's license

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

Amarillo by Morning? Research Associate

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). 

Research Associate – Amarillo, TX 

Role Purpose – 

The purpose of the Research Associate is to assist corn product development scientists in delivering on project goals by providing technical assistance, as well as to support site management with the functional activities of a research station.

Accountabilities – 

Functioning as an integral member of a team responsible for packaging, planting, cultivating, stand counting and harvesting yield trials, breeding nurseries and isolated topcrosses • Accurately executing experimental procedures that have been explained in general terms and recording all observations, data and results. • Effectively communicating regularly with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities. • Manage tasks completed by third-party contract labor. • Possibly managing off-station testing including locating and contracting yield trial sites. • Performing all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety related company policies and practices, including completing all required Company training courses and attending local safety meetings.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities –

Critical knowledge:

B.S. degree in a relevant agricultural or biological scientific discipline or equivalent years of experience. • Demonstrated knowledge of breeding or other required scientific principles. • Knowledge of current agronomic practices used in corn production • A valid drivers license and the ability to obtain a class A CDL is critical.

Critical experience:

Experience in the operation, adjustment, maintenance of, and ability to do minor repairs on various plot equipment, including a planter, tractor, cultivator, sprayer, combine, truck and trailer is desirable.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities:

Ability to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, and other standard office software. • Ability to use and support proprietary systems (SPIRIT). • Excellent organizational skills. • Ability to work in a team and to communicate with individuals throughout the organization. • Ability and motivation to learn new technologies. • Ability to use professional concepts and company policies and procedures to solve a wide range of difficult problems in imaginative and practical ways. • Ability to exercise judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.

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