POSITION:
Assistant
Plant Scientist I, Produce Quality
As
global demand for food and fuel continues to rise, we are
dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life.
Syngenta is one of the
world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in
over 90 countries. We work in a collaborative and inspiring
culture where personal contribution is rewarded and growth
and development are at the heart of our culture.
Through our world-class science, global reach and commitment
to working with our customers, we help to increase crop
productivity, protect the environment and improve health and
quality of life.
There’s never been a more important time to join Syngenta.
Assistant Plant Scientist I –
Produce Quality
Company:
Syngenta Seeds Inc.
Job location: Naples, Florida
Job reference #1300
Role Purpose
Support
and contribute to the Syngenta Produce Quality program, with
focus on the characterization and development of vegetable
varieties and traits aimed at providing superior customer
value through the creation of leading propriety germplasm.
Accountabilities
Cooperation, coordination, distribution/sharing and
execution of laboratory, greenhouse, and field activities
and responsibilities with Assistant Plant Scientists in
Produce Quality, breeding, and pathology programs on basis
of project needs and individuals’ skill sets and expertise.
-
Primary focus of the role
is on activities with a biochemical analysis component,
including: preparing and labeling plant and fruit
samples for biochemical analysis via HPLC, GC,
spectrophotometry, or other methods; tissue manipulation
(e.g. dissection, homogenization, flash-freezing using
liquid nitrogen and dry ice); soluble and volatile
metabolite sample capture (e.g. preparing extractions
and distillations, use of adsorbent filters or
matrices); collection, organization, and management of
data required for sample tracking and/or
characterization; protocol development and validation
experiments.
-
Lab and field
responsibilities will periodically include: monitoring
field trials, harvesting, preparing and labeling samples
for physical (color, texture) analysis, organizing
shipments of samples, organizing work stations and lab
areas, bar-coding, photography and image analysis,
texture measurements, color measurements, postharvest
evaluations.
-
Maintenance of laboratory
records e.g. equipment servicing and maintenance records
and contracts, MSDS sheets, equipment, chemical and
consumable supplies inventories, laboratory waste
disposal records.
-
Maintenance of laboratory
analysis equipment (e.g. HPLC, gas chromatograph,
spectrophotometer) in full safe and working condition.
-
Ensuring compliance with
all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) issues
related to the lab inventory, hazardous waste
accumulation and disposal, and lab and field activities.
-
Assisting and supervising
laboratory assistant(s) and/or seasonal employee(s) in
planning and execution of lab tasks.
-
Training laboratory staff
in HSE and correct use of equipment.
Knowledge, Experience &
Capabilities
Critical knowledge
• B.S. degree in Plant Sciences, Food Sciences, Chemistry,
Biology or Biochemistry required. M.S. preferred.
• Knowledge of plant and food science and laboratory
technical principles and best practices
• Knowledge of basic experimental design and statistical
analysis principles and techniques
• Familiarity with a variety of lab instrumentation and
chemical analysis methods
Desired knowledge
• Knowledge of plant genetics and breeding principles and
practices
• Knowledge of molecular biology and molecular genetics
principles and practices
• Knowledge of plant pre- and post-harvest physiology
principles and practices
• Knowledge of sensory science principles and practices
• Spanish language skills
Critical experience
• Proficiency in basic software (Windows, MS Office),
information management, and data stewardship.
Strongly desired experience (in order of priority)
• Proficiency with gas and liquid chromatography sample
preparation and analysis methods
• Proficiency with color and texture measurement tools and
techniques
• Proficiency with automated data capture and database
management software
Desired experience
• Proficiency with photography (still, time-lapse)
• Proficiency with digital image analysis tools and
techniques
Critical technical, professional and personal
capabilities
• Excellent communication, interpersonal relationship, and
organization skills
• Excellent cooperation and teamwork skills; oriented
towards team achievements and success
• Self-directed, highly motivated and conscientious
• Ability to prioritize, problem solve, think innovatively
and plan and organize activities
• Ability to interpret instructions and to organize and
deliver work to meet expectations of stakeholders
• Ability and willingness to travel and work with a variety
of disciplines
Critical leadership capabilities
• Decisive
• Trusted
• Customer-Focused
• Results-Oriented
• Communicative
• Team-Oriented
• Innovative
Critical Success Factors and Key Challenges
Sample preparation and data collection according to
established and agreed protocols. Automated and electronic
data collection whenever possible.
• Development, improvement, and validation of protocols,
methodologies, and capabilities
• Cooperation and contribution to an effective and
productive team environment
• Demonstrated understanding of key concepts of plant
breeding, plant physiology, food science, experimental
design and statistical interfaces.
• Data entry, analysis in line with protocols and data
summarization for key stakeholders
Additional Information
Physical
demands of the essential functions: Lift up to 40 lbs.
Working conditions while performing essential functions:
Normal office and laboratory, agricultural field
environments.
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.
Applications
Qualified
candidates should apply today!
Please submit your application online at
www.syngentacareers.com.
EOE
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