AgriGenomics Technology Scientist

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

Do you want to join us in shaping the future of agriculture?

We are seeking a highly skilled Scientist who will lead innovation in genotyping and agricultural technologies, focusing on scouting, validating, and implementing advanced methodologies, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) and other genotyping platforms. This role involves leading initiatives geared toward scaling solutions in genotyping, including one-off proofs of concept (POCs) designed to demonstrate scalability, establishing a genotyping center of excellence, and contributing to next-generation tissue extraction and automation technology evaluations. The Scientist will champion end-to-end field testing, manage experiments for new technology introductions, and facilitate coordination between breeding, engineering, genotyping, and business teams to ensure seamless integration and alignment with business goals.

Accountabilities:

• Identify and evaluate emerging genotyping technologies, such as NGS, SNP arrays, and other high-throughput platforms, to challenge existing methodologies and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Design, test, and validate new genotyping technologies through POCs, including one-off POCs to prove concepts with the intention to scale, following a rigorous stage-gate process to ensure production readiness.
• Lead efforts to establish and maintain a world-class genotyping center, fostering innovation, collaboration, and best practices in genotyping and DNA extraction techniques.
• Collaborate with the technology evaluation team to assess and implement next-generation tissue extraction and lab automation solutions, driving operational efficiency and value.
• Champion end-to-end field testing for new technology introductions in in-field and controlled-environment trials, managing processes from planning to execution to ensure successful deployment.
• Develop and execute experiments to support the introduction of innovative technologies, ensuring robust data collection and analysis to validate performance and scalability.
• Act as a liaison between breeding and business teams to align technology introductions with strategic objectives, facilitating communication, resource allocation, and project milestones.
• Keep abreast of emerging trends in genotyping chemistry, including new reagents, enzymes, and amplification technologies, to maintain cutting-edge solutions.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, SOPs, and presentations to communicate findings and support regulatory submissions or patent applications.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Genetics, Biotechnology, Agronomy, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• 7+ years in genotyping technology development or agricultural research, with hands-on experience in NGS, SNP genotyping, or similar technologies.
• Proficiency in DNA extraction techniques, including manual and automated methods for plant tissues.
• Proven experience in POC development, including one-off POCs aimed at proving scalability, and stage-gate processes.
• Familiarity with tissue extraction, lab automation technologies, and field trial management.
• Experience in introducing new genotyping technologies or transforming genotyping laboratories end-to-end.
• Experience in coordinating cross-functional teams, preferably between scientific and business units.
• In-depth knowledge of genotyping technologies, including NGS, qPCR, and SNP arrays.
• Expertise in DNA extraction methods and PCR-based assays for genotyping or related applications.
• Knowledge of lab automation systems, including robotic liquid handlers and automated DNA/RNA extraction platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for experimental design, data analysis, and scalability assessments.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.

Additional Information

Salary for the role is 102,900 - 147,000 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.

WL: 5B

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