Agronomic Research Intern

DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC); Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Career development resources

Meaningful projects

Emerging Talent program exposure

Job summary

Syngenta in Malta, IL is seeking an Agronomy Research Intern to gain hands-on experience in field trials and data generation. You will help design trials, assist with planting, note-taking, and harvest activities while learning to improve seed customers’ yield potential.

As part of the Emerging Talent Program, you will work with a collaborative team, report to leadership, and complete required safety training.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Enrollment in a Bachelor's degree program in Agronomy, Horticulture, Ag Business, or related field.
• Understanding and use of modern agronomic practices.

Responsibilities

• Understand how agronomic data is generated to improve yield potential.
• Design and execute basic agronomic trial design.
• Join team for packaging, planting, note-taking, and harvesting yield trials.
• Collaborate with Research Trialing Operations for pollination and phenotypic evaluations.
• Communicate project status regularly with peers and supervisors.
• Complete safety training and related company policies.
• Participate in field days to showcase Syngenta's innovation.

Skills

Agronomy knowledge

Communication

Detail oriented

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Agronomy or related field - enrollment

Understanding modern agronomic practices

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Company Description

About Syngenta

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we’re shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities. We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture.

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. We invite you to help shape the future of agriculture and play a role in safely feeding the world while caring for our planet.

Syngenta’s Technical Agronomy Team is seeking an Agronomy Research Intern in Malta, IL. The purpose of this role is to introduce the intern to the daily activities and tasks performed by the Agronomic Research Scientist. They will better understand how agronomic data is generated, helping improve Syngenta seed customers’ experience through better product placement and positioning to maximize yield potential. Candidates will also gain experience by taking responsibility for a summer project and will have the opportunity to report to leadership at the end of their internship.

As part of Syngenta’s Emerging Talent Program, you will gain hands‑on experience, exposure to day-to-day business operations, and opportunities to apply your academic knowledge to real-world challenges while developing your professional skills.

Estimated Duration: May 2027 - August 2027

Accountabilities:

• Better understand how agronomic data is generated to help improve Syngenta seed customers’ experience through improved product placement and positioning to maximize yield potential.
• Gain a greater understanding of fundamental trial design and execution needed to answer very specific agronomic questions.
• Function as an integral member of a team responsible for packaging, planting, note‑taking, and harvesting agronomic corn and soybean yield trials.
• Work with other groups, such as Research Trialing Operations, to perform hand pollinations, aid in supervising seasonal labor during pollination, and perform phenotypic evaluations prior to, during, and after pollination.
• Effectively communicate regularly with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities.
• Perform all tasks and behave in a manner compliant with, and in support of, all safety‑and‑stewardship‑related company policies and practices, such as completing all required company training courses.
• Participate in customer experience events, such as field days, to showcase Syngenta’s innovation in seed development

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Enrollment in a Bachelor’s degree program in Agronomy, Horticulture, Ag Business, or another closely related agricultural field of study.
• Understanding and use of modern agronomic practices.

Desired Qualifications:

• Sophomore or Junior class standing preferred.
• Capable of working in high- or low-temperature conditions in the field or greenhouse.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Capable of working long hours during time‑critical periods of the growing season.
• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other standard office software.
• Innovative: Always looks to implement new procedures or technologies to improve work efficiencies.
• Communication: The ability to communicate information effectively (both written and spoken) is highly desired.
• Detail‑Oriented: All procedures and policies must be understood and followed.

Additional Information

Salary for this position ranges between $20 - $45 hourly.

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work‑life balance that supports the team members.
• Competitive wages
• Ongoing career development resources
• The opportunity to work on meaningful, innovative projects that solve problems

Syngenta is committed to creating a culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development, and strives for a work‑life balance that supports the team members

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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