Sampling and Tissue Culture Lead

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. 

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta's Trait Development Team is seeking a Sampling and Tissue Culture Lead in Slater, IA.

The Sampling and Tissue Culture Lead will oversee all activities related to the Tissue Culture Lab and seed processing from harvest to shipping. It will oversee tissue sampling as well as KPI tracking and reporting. They will be responsible for all the data collection, analysis, and constant evaluation in those areas to accelerate conversion delivery and to identify areas for improvement. The role collaborates with other employees in the TI Group to execute all steps on the conversion process.

Accountabilities:

• Lead all tissue culture lab activities, compliance, and employees' training.
• Own the delivery of key performance indicator (KPI) reports, raw operational data collection, and track conversion milestones to ensure proper actions are taken to ensure on-time and quality specification for delivery of projects based on reliance specifications.
• Responsible for and own seed transfer activities, documentation for internal and external shipments. Require all seed handoffs are of high quality and meet reliance standards.
• Support all activities on the TI facility as needed during peak times.
• Foster an OpEx culture, ensure proper management of resources, and track actual versus planned deviations against short-term and long-term plans.
• Manage control points and data to ensure seed purity, stewardship, and compliance requirements are followed based on Syngenta's requirements Responsible to develop local protocols and procedures to ensure the highest quality.
• Communicate effectively and regularly with peers and supervisors regarding operational and project status and supply input needs. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align trial activities with broader company goals.
• Adherence to all company, state, and governmental stewardship, regulatory, and HSE requirements to maintain Syngenta's freedom to operate.

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must already reside in United States and not require visa sponsorship now or in the future (includes OPT).

Required:

• Bachelor's degree with significant experience or master's degree in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in agriculture, ideally in plant breeding or greenhouse / control environment operations.
• Experience with data analysis and monitoring KPIs and data through Power-BI or other visualization software is required.
• Knowledge of plant propagation (including embryo rescue), greenhouse management, plant cycling, and GM traits.
• Highly organized and able to manage complex processes requiring multiple functions or teams working together.
• Ability and motivation to learn, experiment with and deploy new technologies and/or protocols.
• Relentless focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Good computer skills and proficiency with MS Office and corporate software.
• Ability to work effectively in greenhouse, lab, and field conditions.
• Flexibility to work weekends, overtime, and holidays as needed.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to up to lift to 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time.

Desired:

• Experience with Trait Introgression.

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.

WL: 3B

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