Research Associate 3

Company Description

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. 

Job Description

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 R&D team is seeking a Research Associate 3 in Salinas, Puerto Rico. This role will support continuous nursery operations for corn and soybean by coordinating and supervising the scouting process for pests and diseases, laboratory bioassays, field traps (bug scan roll, pheromones, etc.), record keeping and reporting, and machine sprayer tasks, including but not limited to equipment calibration, nozzle selection, work orders, and insecticide/fungicide sprayings, always in compliance with company, local, and federal regulations.

In the Scouting & Sprayers Research Associate 3 role, you will spend a large amount of your time in the field to identify and take action on any potential problems with diseases and pests that may jeopardize the viability of the crops.

You will supervise and train seasonal employees in the scouting and sprayers area.

Accountabilities:

• Coordinate and supervise all scouting, bioassays, and insecticide/fungicide machine spraying activities.
• Ensure success of scouting, bioassays, and insecticide/fungicide sprayings through effective use of techniques and tools.
• Ensure compliance with all EPA, USDA, and local regulations, as well as all site HSE and quality protocols.
• Take action according to priorities based on scouting, crop stage, and pest threshold.
• Monitor the quality, quantity, and efficiency of the temporary employees' performance under your supervision.
• Ensure the use of adequate nozzle and drop combinations for each application to ensure the best results.
• Collaborate with the agronomy team in other tasks or cross-training activities, such as but not limited to IPM, land preparation, planting, and irrigation when necessary.
• Be able to assist in crops and site activities according to company needs.
• Demonstrate innovation by staying aware of emerging trends and recommending new processes, training opportunities, or techniques that will increase plant health, efficiencies, or improve skills.

Qualifications

Required:

• B.S. in Agriculture, crop science, biology, or related field.
• M.S. in entomology, crop production, phytopathology, or related field (preferred).
• Excellent understanding of all relevant agronomic/cultural practices in a tropical environment (scouting and IPM).
• Knowledge of seed crop research, production, and quality assurance practices.
• Knowledge and experience in corn and soybean seed production.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer software for data management, e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, GIS mapping software, and other relevant software required to operate efficiently.
• Proficient in English: written and spoken.

Desired:

• 5 years of experience in agronomy roles leading teams, preferably with seed production operations experience and scouting pest/diseases and IPM roles.
• Ability to lead and influence key stakeholders through challenges and opportunities; ability to facilitate solutions.
• Analytical skills; ability to demonstrate critical thinking across complex situations.
• High quality and effectiveness in communication and collaboration with all stakeholders.
• Excellent skills for interpreting research data.
• Basic understanding of a broad range of core competencies, including plant nutrition, soils, growth, and yield, specifically in R&D.
• Excellent computer skills, including a working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Fluent in Spanish and English.

Additional Information

• Travel availability (national and international).
• Driver´s license.
• Flexible schedule to work over extended hours, weekends, and holidays.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

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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