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, the Seeds Development Team is currently seeking a Research Associate 3, to be located in Aurora, SD.

Role Purpose

This role will focus on a strong background in field crop agronomics along with an understanding around equipment and computer technologies.  These 2 “primary” areas will align with grower/contract relations, equipment planting and harvesting, and chemical spraying.  The hiring candidate would directly be involved, lead, or supervise these activities.  We cover a wide geography in SD, MN, and IA that includes corn, soybean, and winter wheat testing.  Our technologies match what the farmer is using in the fields today, so the ability to stay up on current farming trends is critical.  This role will also require troubleshooting, thinking outside the box, and lots of networking with internal and external personnel.  Overall, this position will assist the Station Manager on meeting targeted goals while continuing to deliver quality data in an efficient manner.    

Accountabilities

Function as an integral member of a team responsible for the full range of seasonal activities related to conducting yield trials including but not limited to planning, actively communicating, equipment maintenance, grower relations, planting, note taking and harvest. An expert source of information on agronomic processes/protocols.  The ability to learn and participate as needed in our Yield Trial setup. Complete work with a limited degree of supervision and/or work autonomously. Solve complex and varied problems with a limited degree of supervision. Supervise operational teams that include third-party contract labor and Syngenta full-time staff with planting, phenotyping, harvest. Lead projects with impact both on and across station/sites and provide formal and/or informal guidance, training, and support to other team members. Effectively communicate regularly with juniors, peers, and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities. Provide input to development of new process protocols / standards

Requirements

B.S. Degree in an agricultural related discipline, preferred. Candidates with relevant agriculture experience may be considered Understanding of plant genetics and breeding required. Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that impact trial data precision and accuracy. Proficiently communicate and work well as part of a team. Must be able to work independently without supervision while traveling to off-site locations to accurately collect and manage data obtained from trials. Receive and pass complex information on to required parties while making calculations and straightforward analysis as needed. Experience in operating and maintaining agricultural machinery, and or agricultural research equipment Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems. A valid US driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history and possess a class A CDL with Airbrakes or ability to acquire within 6 months, is required. Possess a Commercial Applicator’s License to administer Restricted Use Pesticides along with the ability to obtain reciprocity in neighboring states is required. Receive and pass complex information on to required parties while making calculations and straightforward analysis as needed. Ability to obtain or possesses a Commercial Applicator’s License to administer Restricted Use Pesticides. 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.  Domestic and international travel required with seasonal overnight stays.

Preferred Requirements

A basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding is desirable. Understand and use of modern agronomic practices. Good communication skills Ability to use MS Office, especially Word, Excel, Power Point and other standard office software. Ability to use and support proprietary IT systems for data collection/analysis, tracking agronomic practices, and metric and KPI tracking. 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. Ability to learn and use proprietary systems for label printing and inventory management. Ability and motivation to learn new technologies.

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, 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

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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.

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