Company: Syngenta Seeds Inc.
Job reference #1300

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.

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.

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

Physical demands of the essential functions: Lift up to 40 lbs.
Working conditions while performing essential functions: Normal office and laboratory, agricultural field environments.

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

EOE