Senior Research Associate

About Syngenta 

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. 

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 Operations & Trialing Team is seeking a Senior Research Associate in Malta, IL. This role will support planning, leadership, and execution on a controlled environment operations team to ensure the successful management and execution of seed production for multiple crops within breeding pipelines. Executes role responsibilities in addition to managing others.

Accountabilities:

• Provide direction for the functional controlled environment team in operations.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics.
• Collaborate with site leadership and cross-functional teams to align operational strategies with business objectives.
• Oversee the development and implementation of operational policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Provide expert guidance, leadership, and mentoring to teams, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Manage and optimize operational budgets, resources, and personnel allocation.
• Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of new technologies, systems, and tools.
• Represent the functional team in cross-functional meetings and decision-making processes.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, vendors, and industry partners.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks and develop contingency plans.
• Lead cross-functional operational projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Required:

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Operations Management, or a related field, or 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Ability to effectively work in controlled environments.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform manual labor tasks, such as bending, lifting, and standing for extended periods.
• Expert record-keeping of research documents.
• A proven track record of leading successful teams.
• Ability to obtain necessary licenses or certifications.

Desired:

• Expert knowledge of agriculture and controlled environment facilities.
• Excellent leadership skills with experience in team management and development.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Advanced proficiency in data analysis and interpretation of research results.
• Proven ability to learn, champion, and ensure implementation of new technologies.
• Proven ability to make and implement decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working in and managing controlled environments.

Salary for this position ranges between $74,000 - $90,000 annually.

What We Offer: 

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, 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: 3A

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