Trailing Specialist

Syngenta; Ranchi; On-site; INR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Syngenta Vegetables and Flowers in India seeks a Trialing Specialist to drive end-to-end trial execution for experimental seed varieties. You will collect phenotypic data using digital tools and coordinate with R&D, marketing, sales, and growers to meet trial objectives.

You will operate field equipment, manage seed shipments, and ensure data quality and storage in corporate IT systems while optimizing trial locations and collaborating across teams to deliver trial cycles on time.

Qualifications

• Required BS degree; MSc preferred in Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture or related field.
• Practical knowledge in crop management, agronomy/horticulture practices, plant physiology and breeding across vegetable crops.
• Deep understanding of practices and procedures affecting trial data quality and accuracy.
• Strong digital fluency and database management; ability to master proprietary IT systems for data storage, labeling and inventory management.
• Hands-on experience operating farming and precision ag equipment (planters, tractors, automated harvest) including maintenance.
• Experience with electronic data capture and digital phenotyping tools (e.g., drones, imaging).
• Fluency in English and local language with strong written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end trialing process from planting to harvest and data collection.
• Support trial planning, seed shipment/tracking, labeling, transplanting and harvesting.
• Operate seed research equipment with complex components and ensure data integrity.
• Use phenotyping tech and IT tools to record observations and store data securely.
• Select trial locations aligned with market needs and environmental factors.
• Collaborate with R&D, marketing, sales and growers to meet trial objectives.

Skills

Crop management

Agronomy practice

Plant physiology

Plant breeding

Digital phenotyping

English proficiency

Strong communication

Education

BS degree

MSc in Crop Science

Tools

Planters

Tractors

Automated harvest

Drones

Imaging methods

Job description

Company Description

At Syngenta Vegetables and Flowers, we're cultivating tomorrow's diversity through innovative breeding that brings vibrant colors to gardens and nutritious vegetables to tables worldwide. We combine centuries of seed heritage with cutting-edge innovation to develop resilient, high-performing varieties that thrive in diverse climates. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable horticulture, where every seed holds the potential to enhance lives through better nutrition and natural beauty.

Job Description

Role purpose

The Trialing Specialist plays key role in internal or external trialing activities by:

• Driving end-to-end execution of research trials to evaluate the performance of experimental seed varieties/hybrids
• Collecting detailed phenotypic observations using digital tools and current technologies, and securing timely high-quality data
• Partnering with R&D, marketing and sales team, as well as growers, to quarantee timely completion of trialing objectives and trial excellence via contrinous improvement of trialing operations

Accountabilities

• Drive the end-to-end trialing process including setup and maintenance of trials from planting to harvest and tracking of different experimental entries. Ensure trialing objectives are met.
• Become integral member of trialing team supporting all activities from sowing to harvest including (but not limited to) trial planning, seed shipment/tracking, seed sowing, planting, labelling, transplanting, harvest and data collection of experimental entries.
• Operate and maintain seed research equipment with complex mechanical and electronic components. Hands-on operation of specialized farm equiment depending on crop responsibilities.
• Use advanced phenotyping technologies and IT tools to record detailed observations from trial plots
• Secure high-quality trial data collection and data storage in corporate IT systems/databases.
• Select and optimize trial locations in line with targeted market and customer segment, trialing best practices (uniformity, soil, consistency)and environmental factors
• Prepare and negotiate trial contracts with growers based on standard Syngenta agreement.
• Communicate regularly with Trialing & Product Placement Lead and Product Placement Scientists to discuss trial progress and issues encountered at trial locations.
• Drive the end-to-end trialing process including setup and maintenance of trials from planting to harvest and tracking of different experimental entries. Ensure trialing objectives are met.
• Become integral member of trialing team supporting all activities from sowing to harvest including (but not limited to) trial planning, seed shipment/tracking, seed sowing, planting, labelling, transplanting, harvest and data collection of experimental entries.
• Operate and maintain seed research equipment with complex mechanical and electronic components. Hands-on operation of specialized farm equiment depending on crop responsibilities.
• Use advanced phenotyping technologies and IT tools to record detailed observations from trial plots
• Secure high-quality trial data collection and data storage in corporate IT systems/databases.
• Select and optimize trial locations in line with targeted market and customer segment, trialing best practices (uniformity, soil, consistency)and environmental factors
• Prepare and negotiate trial contracts with growers based on standard Syngenta agreement.
• Communicate regularly with Trialing & Product Placement Lead and Product Placement Scientists to discuss trial progress and issues encountered at trial locations.
• Work closely with commercial team and growers to ensure timely trial cycles are achieved.
• Interact frequently with stakeholders including breeding, marketing and sales teams to provide updates on work activities.
• Maintain strong relationship with seed dealers, growers, and processors to secure strategic trial locations and manage grower contracts
• Collect trialing operations KPIs and various observations to determine areas for continous improvement and identity process risks
• Participate in research projects and process-improvement initiatives related to trialing and phenotyping vegetable varieties.
• Lead field crews by managing, coaching and training third-party contract labor to ensure optimal trial management and data integrity. Monitor performance indicators for third-party contract labor.
• Ensure all trial activities comply with Syngenta's Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) standards, biosafety standards, stewardship practices, quality system guidelines and ethical compliance standards.
• Follow all HSE policies, timely complete all required trainings, attend local safety meetings and champion safety mindset.

Qualifications

Critical Knowledge and Experience

• Required BS degree. Preferred MSc degree in Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science or agriculture-related field.
• Practical knowledge in crop mananagment, agronomy/horticulture practices, plant physiology and plant breeding across vegetable crops
• Deep understanding of practices and procedures that affect trial data quality and accuracy
• Strong digital fluency and database management skills. Ability to master proprietary IT systems for data storage, label printing and inventory management
• Hands-on experience in operating farming and precision ag equipment (eg planters, tractors, automated harvest), including adjustment, maintenance and basic repairs
• Demonstrated experience in electronic data capture and digital phenotyping tools and technologies (eg drones, imaging methods), and motivation for continuous learning
• Fluency in English and local language; demonstrated strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Critical Professional And Leadership And Capabilities

• Ability to work independently, plan and prioritize day-to-day tasks and deliver timely on business priorities.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with teams and individuals across the organization.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and work effectively with trialing personnel and

Additional Information

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.