Phenomics Specialist

Syngenta Group; Noord-Holland; On-site; EUR 43,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus & profit sharing

Hybrid work 2–3 days

Learning Edge access

Employee Assistance Program

25 vacation days + vitality day

Pension scheme

Travel allowance

Company laptop and phone

Bike scheme

Job summary

Syngenta Group in the Netherlands is seeking a Phenomics Specialist to advance high‑throughput field phenotyping across its Western Europe trial network. You will turn drone imaging, sensor data and AI‑driven trait assessments into actionable insights for product placement.

The role combines fieldwork with data analysis, involves travel across Western Europe, and requires MSc/PhD in plant sciences plus 3–7 years of experience, plus experience with drones and geospatial tools.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in plant sciences, agronomy, remote sensing, agricultural engineering or related field.
• 3–7 years experience in field phenotyping, precision agriculture or crop science research.
• Hands-on drone operations and sensor payloads (RGB, multispectral, thermal).
• Experience with image processing and geospatial data handling using QGIS, Python or R.
• Fluency in English and ability to collaborate across teams in Western Europe.

Responsibilities

• Lead digital phenotyping across Western Europe trial locations and analyze data.
• Test drone imaging, RGB, multispectral, hyperspectral, LiDAR and thermal sensing.
• Drive proof‑of‑concept projects with clear go/no-go criteria and timelines.
• Develop SOPs and training material for phenotyping tools.
• Collaborate with global teams to improve data pipelines and trait extraction.

Skills

Field phenotyping

Drone operations

Sensor imaging

Data analysis

English fluency

Team collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in plant sciences or related field

Tools

QGIS

Python

R

Job description

Syngenta is one of the global leaders in the agribusiness, with more than 28,000 employees in over 90 countries, committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. By combining global expertise with close connections to our customers, we contribute to increasing crop productivity, protecting the environment, and improving health and quality of life. For more information, visit www.syngenta.nl.

Phenomics specialist

Type: Permanent, Fulltime (38 hours per week)
Department: Research & Development
Location: Enkhuizen or Zeewolde

In action

Are you excited by the point where plant science, data and cutting-edge field technology meet? At Syngenta Seeds, Vegetables, we are looking for a Phenomics Specialist to help shape how we use advanced phenotyping technologies across our R&D trial network in Western Europe. In this role, you will turn drone imaging, sensor data and AI-enabled trait assessment into practical insights that support better product promotion and placement decisions. If you enjoy working in the field, testing new technologies and translating complex data into real value, this is a role with real impact.

The challenge

As our Phenomics Specialist, you will drive the adoption and operational deployment of advanced field phenotyping technologies across Western Europe. You will act as the regional expert for phenomics-related topics, working closely with local Trialing & Product Placement teams, Breeders, Technical Specialists and the Global Phenomics & Automation team.

You will be involved from early proof-of-concept testing through to operational roll-out, ensuring that new tools are validated, scalable and relevant for real trial conditions. Your work will help our R&D teams collect better data, improve trait assessment and integrate digital phenotyping into routine trial operations. In this role, you will:

• Execute digital phenotyping activities and data analysis at selected trial locations, both on-site and off-site.
• Test and evaluate technologies such as drone-based imaging, RGB, multispectral, hyperspectral, LiDAR and thermal sensing.
• Lead proof-of-concept projects with clear success criteria, timelines and go/no-go recommendations.
• Support the implementation of validated phenotyping tools, including SOPs, training materials and best-practice guidelines.
• Partner with global phenomics, automation and data science teams to improve data pipelines, image analysis and trait extraction workflows.

You will also be the key contact point for phenomics questions in Western Europe, helping colleagues select the right tools, troubleshoot issues and apply digital phenotyping approaches effectively in their trials. The role includes travel across Western Europe, especially during the field season.

Your profile:

You bring a strong scientific background, a practical mindset and genuine curiosity for emerging technologies in crop research. You are comfortable working both in the field and with data, and you know how to translate technical possibilities into practical guidance for colleagues across R&D. We are looking for someone with:

• An MSc or PhD in plant sciences, agronomy, remote sensing, agricultural engineering or a related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in field phenotyping, precision agriculture, crop science research or a similar environment.
• Hands-on experience with drone operations and sensor payloads, such as RGB, multispectral or thermal imaging.
• Familiarity with image processing, geospatial data handling and tools such as QGIS, Python or R.
• Experience in designing and running field experiments or trials.

You communicate clearly, collaborate easily across functions and regions, and bring a structured, curious and value-driven approach. Fluency in English is required, as well as an EU drone pilot certification or the willingness to obtain one.

Would you like to work with us?

Syngenta: where your talent flourishes and innovation grows. We challenge you with meaningful work and reward your commitment with excellent employment conditions. Discover a career that not only feeds you but also the world.

• A salary between € 3,887.00 and € 5,266,70 gross per month based on a 38-hour work week
• The possibility of a bonus and profit sharing per year – we celebrate success together!
• Flexible working hours between 07:00 and 18:00, so you can organize your day as it works best for you
• Hybrid working: the possibility to work 2–3 days per week in a hybrid setup, balancing collaboration in the office with focused work from home.
• Grow and flourish – unlimited access to Learning Edge where you can develop yourself unlimitedly with online training and courses
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering free advice, coaching, and support in various areas, including career development, emotional support, legal and financial advice
• 25 vacation days + 1 vitality day to recharge extra. From the age of 35, you can enjoy an extra vacation day every 5 years
• Attractive pension scheme. Because your future is important to us too
• If you live more than 5 km away from us, you'll receive a travel allowance of €0.23 per km up to a maximum of 50 km one way
• Company laptop and phone to stay connected
• Active and enthusiastic staff association. From a pub quiz and barbecue to a themed party or a game of padel. Additionally, there are Young Syngenta activities, such as fascinating lectures and webinars on various topics and vitality programs you can participate in
• Attractive company bike scheme

Ready to grow with us?

Join our team and help shape the future of agriculture!