Soy Germplasm Process Scientist

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 Germplasm Development Team is seeking a Soy Germplasm Process Scientist in Malta, IL, or Slater, IA.

The Soy Germplasm Process Scientist leads the development of elite soybean varieties through innovative pre-breeding discovery and genetic enhancement strategies. This role combines cutting-edge breeding methodologies with advanced analytics to accelerate genetic gain and drive product advancement for maturity groups 2-4, working in close collaboration with cross-functional teams across North & South market segments.

Accountabilities:

• Establish and lead the pre-breeding discovery pipeline for MG 2-4, developing elite soybean varieties through strategic identification, introgression, and testing of novel sources of value-added genetic diversity in collaboration with North & South market segment teams.
• Design and execute nurseries and yield trial experiments.
• Collect field data and analyze varietal agronomic performance to drive product advancement decisions and accelerate genetic gain.
• Develop and implement cutting-edge analytical methods (in partnership with data science teams) to quantitatively measure, characterize, and prescribe functional genetic diversity.
• Leverage haplotype data and breeding pipeline insights to optimize selection strategies.
• Design, develop, and execute innovative breeding methodologies and technical projects.
• Test new approaches in the field to validate and scale breakthrough concepts that advance genetic gain.
• Build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to identify emerging opportunities.
• Consistently document and communicate research findings, data mining results, and modeling approaches to ensure strategic alignment across cross-functional teams (plant breeders, data scientists, computational biologists, IT).

Required:

• Ph.D. in plant or animal breeding, with two years of experience in either a commercial or academic setting.
• In-depth knowledge of plant breeding, quantitative genetics, and field experimental design.
• Expertise with tools for data analysis, statistical computation, and visualization (such as Python or R); programming and pipeline development skills integrating large, complex datasets from structured and unstructured sources.
• Demonstrated experience working with molecular marker-based studies applied to plant breeding, such as marker-assisted selection, genome-wide phenotype-to-genotype association, and genomic selection.
• Project management experience in a team-oriented atmosphere; ability to develop and adhere to a budget.
• Demonstrated skills to use simple interfaces to build visualization capabilities of analysis outputs and results.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional, collaborative environment.
• Creative, innovative, and strategic thinking; willingness to be bold and take risks on novel ideas.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Curiosity and a desire to continuously learn and stay current on new emerging science and technology.

Desired:

• Knowledge of molecular biology and gene editing technology.

Salary for the role is $101600 - $127,000 per year.

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.

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