Research Associate 3

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.

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, Conversion enablement  Team is currently seeking an Research Associate 3, to be located in Nampa, Idaho.

Role Purpose

•   Lead an operational team conducting Corn Trait Introgression TI greenhouse operations with a focus on the marker assisted inbred conversion MAIC backcrossing protocol. Ensure timely completion of tasks including data entry, and delivery of materials meeting specifications. Coordinate planning of activities to optimize use of resources; drive continuous operational improvement. Communicate and work to resolve issues within broader operational team. Adherence to all company, state and governmental stewardship and regulatory requirements to maintain our freedom to operate. 

Accountabilities

•    Lead a Corn TI Conversion team to top performance in all aspects of greenhouse operations; personnel management to include recruitment, hiring, and training of Syngenta and 3rd party labor

•    On-time delivery of project seed to Version Test nurseries 

•    Ensure best practice documentation and timely process compliance with established protocols, process metrics and KPIs, including up to date data entry and management of company databases and Team space files

•    Report and track cycle success rates, reasons for failure and make any necessary process improvements to ensure consistent > 95% cycle success rate in all generations

•    Lead team in day to day project tracking and management meetings, including identification,  troubleshooting and resolution of technical problems, and implementation of OPEX methodology

•    Manage team activities: greenhouse planting, sampling, plant growth, pest control, pollination, harvest and drying operations, ensuring seamless track and trace and minimizing errors; coordinate activities with embryo rescue laboratory to ensure smooth harvest and transplanting logistics

•    Write and manage TI nursery trials in corporate databases; interpret and execute on Genotyping Lab data reports.  Record phenotypic notes as necessary and upload to databases

•    Perform all tasks in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety and stewardship related company policies and practices, including completing all required training courses

•    Regular and timely ad hoc communication of any issues to Nampa Conversion Team Lead

•    Communicate effectively and regularly with peers and supervisors regarding operational and project status of projects and work activities, and supply input needs

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy, Genetics or Plant Sciences  Good verbal and written communication skills Ability to interact with and manage full-time personnel and 3rd party labor to meet project deadlines Good computer skills and proficiency with MS Office and corporate software Ability to effectively organize, manage and assign workload of multiple tasks Results oriented and driven to deliver high quality trait conversions to the business Ability to effectively organize, manage and assign workload of multiple tasks

Preferred Requirements

In-depth knowledge of plant breeding, genetics and plant biology Able to obtain Idaho Pesticide Applicator’s license Minimum 2 years experience in plant breeding and/or greenhouse operations Experience with Trait Introgression preferred Spanish Speaking Experience in greenhouse management Corn Experience

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's EEOC

Employee Polygraph Protection Act EPPA

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