Have you thought about how to feed the fast growing world population? We have.
And we are looking for top talent to join our team!

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2007 were approximately $9.2 billion. Syngenta employs over 21,000 people in more than 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).

Job location: Clinton, Illinois

Role Purpose

The purpose of the Soybean Trait Conversion Manager is to refine and manage an efficient and robust trait conversion program and associated processes that deliver novel trait/germplasm combinations of the highest quality in the shortest possible time that lead directly to new products. This will include development of novel methods and utilization of technology to continually evolve and improve program output.

Accountabilities

1. Develop and manage an efficient high throughput trait conversion program for Syngenta Soy Product development. The goal is to set an industry standard in efficiency and quality.

2. Recruit and manage trait conversion support personnel including both permanent staff and contract labor.

3. Manage conversion and facility and project budget ($0.75M - $1.25 Mio annual budget).

4. Continual interaction with trait Project Managers, Event Selection Manager, Trait Head, and other functional groups relative to specific conversions, timelines, volumes, molecular marker and other tool implementation, and special projects.

5. Plan and manage sample collection and submission for marker assisted breeding and quality control.

6. Overall, manage all resources relative to trait conversion and continually seek, by both information gathering and experimentation, to recommend improvements or expansion if warranted.

7. Manage and maintain up-to-date detailed project plans and summary files relative to conversion status and timeline goals.

8. Work with Soy Trait summer nursery managers and winter nursery managers to plan and execute grow- outs of populations for conversion line development and increase. This should result in seamless hand-off of converted lines to Project Managers for trialing.

9. Strictly adhere to all USDA and EPA Regulatory Compliance and Syngenta Stewardship as they apply including meticulous record keeping and retention policy.

10. Manage all pertinent data collection, data transfer, data management and reporting for conversion activities.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

Critical knowledge:

• A thorough knowledge of plant breeding and genetic methods.

• Horticultural methods and/or an keen understanding or experience with greenhouse management desired.

• Understanding of growth, development, and cross-pollination of soybean or other self-pollinated and/or photoperiod sensitive plants desired.

• General understanding of herbicide application methods helpful.

• Working knowledge of the application of molecular markers in breeding desired.

Critical skills:

• Excellent organizational and planning skills.

• Excellent communication and team participation skills.

• Excellent problem solving skills.

• Ability to establish priorities and oversee multiple research activities simultaneously at peak work periods.

• Personnel management and development.

• Ability to use Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Excel, and Word. Knowledge of MS Project a plus.

• Ability to use and support proprietary systems data and analysis (SPIRIT).

• Ability to work in a team and to communicate with individuals throughout the organization.

• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies.

• Ability to use professional concepts and company policies and procedures to solve a wide range of difficult problems in imaginative and practical ways.

• Ability to exercise judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.

Critical experience:

• PhD in plant breeding, genetics, horticulture, or closely related field. MS with 5+ years of experience minimum.

• Demonstrated ability in greenhouse and field research process management

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and motivate staff and teams

• Experienced with herbicide and other trait screening and testing preferred

Syngenta offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including market-based pay, health/dental insurance, a generous 401(k) program, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance.

Qualified candidates should apply today!
Please submit your application online at www.syngentacareers.com.

EOE

2316

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located.

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