Rice Breeder

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities.  We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance.  Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture.

Role Purpose :-

The purpose of the Associate Scientist is to lead and coordinate the activities of Hybrid & Parental line development of India Rice Breeding segments in improving performance of Syngenta rice germplasm for developing competitive and profitable products suitable for target market segments.

Accountabilities :-

1. Working with the rice breeding and genetic project teams in the region, manage the hybrid & line development activities relative to specific market segments in India.

• Lead in designing, planning and implementing breeding projects that lead to the development of superior lines for specific breeding segments in India.
• Regularly update best line list, combining ability estimates, strengths/weaknesses of lines in coordination with commercial breeding team
• Manage the advancements of inbred lines develop from his/her breeding projects
• Ensure technology integration in germplasm improvement projects with use of tools such as Double Haploid and RGA.
• Use of speed breeding technologies for achieving quick genetic gain.
• Proper compilation and analysis of data using recent and updated programs.
• Correct interpretation of data, preparation of reports and timely submission and presentation.

2. Working with Discovery breeding/Trialing/Enabling technologies teams.

• Ensure support for technology integration in germplasm improvement projects including discovery and implementation projects for yield, diseases/pests, quality and producibility
• Implement new tools and processes that enable a marker/genomics-based selection program that helps accelerates genetic gain in rice
• Ensure effective trial evaluation for bringing better hybrids that suits the market requirements.

3. Working with other R&D functions, Coordinate with Breeding Operations, Enabling Technologies. Timely communication with different stakeholders. Ensure the timelines in terms of delivery / results are properly met with appropriate intervention and follow-up

• Breeding Operations - Breeding nurseries and seed production plots are properly managed, provide the technical plan, participate regularly in the Breeding-Operations meeting. Ensure the work is delivered.
• Trialing – Constant follow up with Trialing team for conduct of successful trials and getting data on time, timely visits as appropriate.
• Enabling Technologies – Provide the planner on time, coordinate for seed / sample / boots supply for Pathology, Entomology, Analytics, Speed breeding and DH on time
• Provide PVP, DUS, MA, Genetic encumbrances, BDA information as appropriate. Support the IP protection process for Companies germplasm

     e. Commercial – constant interaction with commercial breeding team to understand the dynamics.

Critical Skills -

• Excellent organization, communication, project management and computer skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, especially those required to successfully function as part of a cross-functional team
• Ability to understand and communicate complex instructions.
• Sensitivity to farmer needs with Practical and common sense
• Good organizational and planning skills
• Creative thinking and initiative-taking, good communication skills (internally and externally)

Note: 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, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.