Independent Research Associate Jobs

Company Description

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.

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 Independent Research Associate, to be located in Southwest, NE

Role Purpose

This role will provide the highest quality field trial data through timely and accurate note collection and sound trial execution. This includes supporting local trialing efforts to create superior products as well as assisting the Trialing Manager’s targeted goals by continuously innovating and driving optimal field trial management.

Accountabilities

• Provide input to development of new process protocols / standards
• Evaluate and secure quality yield trial land in the desired testing area
• Lead projects with impact both on and across station/sites and provide formal and/or informal guidance, training, and support to other team members.
• Function as an integral member of a team from a remote location responsible for the full range of seasonal activities related to conducting yield trials including but not limited to planning, actively communicating, packaging, planting, note taking and harvest.
• Complete work with a very limited degree of supervision the ability to work autonomously
• Solve complex and varied problems with a very limited degree of supervision
• Effectively communicate regularly with trialing manager regarding the status of projects and work activities.
• Recruit, hire and supervise third-party contract labor to assist with planting, phenotyping, harvest
• An expert source of information on yield trialing processes/protocols

Qualifications

• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that impact trial data precision and accuracy.
• Must be able to work independently without supervision from a remote office
• Willingness and motivation to learn, implement and champion new technologies.
• Proficiently communicate and work well as part of a team.
• Field, greenhouse, laboratory, office. Potential allergenspollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.
• Understanding of plant genetics and breeding required.
• Pesticide Applicators License Holder or ability to acquire within 3 months.
• Model Syngenta’s commitment to safety, sustainability and product stewardship
• Knowledge of best practices in agronomic management.
• Seasonal travel to the home station in Phillips for peak seasons of seed prep. Travel to other locations as necessary for meetings and to assist other locations..
• 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
• Understanding and demonstrated use of modern agronomic practices.
• Receive and pass complex information on to required parties while making calculations and straightforward analysis as needed.
• Demonstrated initiative and implementation of specific, measurable performance objectives.
• Coordinate and manage workload to complete objectives and tasks.
• Knowledge of multiple crops that are tested in trialing
• Good organization skills and ability to explain tasks to others.
• B.S. Degree in an agricultural related discipline and/or relevant experience of 5 plus years.
• Ability to use MS Office, Smartsheet 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.
• Must possess strong attention to detail and an unrelenting commitment to quality.

Preferred Requirements

• History of implementation of continuous improvements and new innovations.
• Takes a broad perspective to problems and identifies issues and patterns from partial conflicting data or information.
• Knowledge of or experience with Almaco or precision planting equipment.
• Knowledge of or experience operating commercial or research combines
• CDL Class A with Airbrakes or ability to acquire within 3 months
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems.

Additional Information

• Paid Vacation, 9 Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do

Work Level: 3B

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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