Genotyping Process Engineer

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs. 

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.  

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States. 

Do you want to join us in shaping the future of agriculture?

We are seeking a highly skilled Genotyping Logistics Engineer to join our innovative research team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence in the genotyping laboratory by optimizing workflows, enhancing efficiency, and establishing the labs as few center of excellence facilities. The role focuses on implementing process improvements, leveraging automation, and simplifying workflows to ensure high-quality, scalable, and cost-effective genotyping processes.

Accountabilities:

• Process Optimization: Analyze existing genotyping lab processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. Design and implement optimized workflows to enhance throughput, reduce turnaround times, and improve accuracy. Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies to eliminate waste and streamline operations.
• Process Excellence: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track lab efficiency, quality, and productivity. Lead continuous improvement initiatives to maintain high standards of operational excellence. Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and compliance with industry standards.
• Workflow Optimization: Redesign lab workflows to improve sample handling, data processing, and result delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new technologies and methodologies into existing workflows. Ensure workflows are scalable to accommodate increased sample volumes and evolving genotyping demands.
• Future Workflow Recommendations: Research and recommend automation solutions to simplify and accelerate genotyping processes. Propose innovative workflows that leverage cutting-edge technologies, such as robotic process automation (RPA) and advanced data analytics. Develop a roadmap for transitioning manual processes to automated systems while maintaining quality and reliability.
• Shift Development and Implementation: Design and Implement shift schedules to maximize lab-efficiency, ensuring optimal coverage for high-throughput genotyping operations. Analyze lab workload patterns to align staffing levels with peak processing times, minimizing downtime and overtime costs. Collaborate with Lab operations to develop flexible shift structures that support potential 24/7 operations and accommodate automation schedules.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with lab scientists, automation engineers, data analysts, and leadership to align process improvements with organizational goals. Provide training and guidance to lab staff on new processes, tools, and technologies. Communicate progress and outcomes of optimization initiatives to senior leadership.

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring current or future sponsorship (which also includes OPT/CPT and H-1B visas).

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in process optimization within a laboratory or scientific environment, preferably in genotyping or molecular biology.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred), and other process improvement methodologies (Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Business Process Re-engineering).

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• Ability to analyze complex workflows and identify opportunities for simplification and automation.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, JMP, or similar) for process performance evaluation.
• Experience in root cause analysis and corrective action planning.

Automation and Technology

• Familiarity with laboratory automation systems, such as liquid handling robots and lab information management systems (LIMS).
• Understanding of emerging technologies in genotyping, such as next generation sequencing (NGS) and high-throughput screening.

Shift Development and Workforce Optimization

• Expertise in designing shift schedules to maximize resource utilization and align with lab operations demands.
• Knowledge of workforce management tools (e.g. Kronos etc.,) for scheduling and capacity planning.
• Ability to balance staffing needs with automation schedules to ensure seamless 24/7 lab operations.

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs. 
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.  
• 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 other benefits. 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. 

Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

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.