Agronomic Research Scientist

Syngentagroup; Malta Township (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefit Package

401k plan with company match

Job summary

Syngenta in Malta, IL is seeking an Agronomic Research Scientist to lead agronomic studies on corn and soybean varieties. You will drive the research lifecycle from study design to field implementation, coordinating teams across multiple sites and presenting findings to diverse stakeholders.

The role requires strong statistical analysis, excellent communication, and a solid background in agronomy with seed technologies and crop protection knowledge.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. and/or M.S. in Agronomy or related field preferred.
• B.S. in Agronomy with 5+ years of agronomy research and data analysis allowed.
• 5+ years of experience in commercial or R&D agronomy roles.
• Strong written and oral communication to convey key messages clearly.
• Good personnel and facility management skills.
• Deep understanding of statistics and data analysis, farming practices, seed tech, and crop protection.

Responsibilities

• Lead research lifecycle from study design to field implementation for corn and soybean trials.
• Coordinate field activities, plot planning, data collection, and supervision of research staff.
• Analyze yield and agronomic data; prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Present findings to internal teams, dealers, customers, and industry influencers.
• Maintain and optimize research equipment and processes to ensure data quality.

Education

Ph.D. or M.S. in Agronomy

Bachelor's in Agronomy

Strong written and oral communication

People management

Statistical data analysis

Planning and organizing

Coaching and mentorship

Knowledge of seed technologies and crop protection

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. To support this mission, Syngenta's Sales Team is seeking a Agronomic Research Scientist in Malta, IL. This role will support Syngenta's marketing and sales objectives by conducting comprehensive agronomic research studies on corn and soybean varieties, delivering value-added agronomic content that strengthens NK and Golden Harvest brand positioning as trusted agronomic advisors in the marketplace.

Accountabilities:

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with sales and agronomy teams across Eastern Commercial Units to identify regional needs and deliver targeted agronomic solutions.
• Lead the complete research lifecycle, from study design and prioritization through pre-planting preparations, including technology agreements, seed treatment, plot planning, and field mapping for corn and soybean variety trials.
• Oversee all field activities, including planting, plot maintenance, harvest operations, treatment applications, data collection, and supervision of part-time research personnel across multiple research sites.
• Conduct statistical analysis of yield and agronomic data; prepare technical reports and presentations; and confidently present research findings to internal teams, dealers, customers, and industry influencers.
• Maintain research equipment precision and efficiency through routine maintenance, seasonal preparation, and innovative equipment design to support accurate treatment applications and data collection.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. and/or M.S. in Agronomy or a related field strongly preferred.
• Candidates without postgraduate training, but holding a B.S. in Agronomy with five or more years of experience conducting agronomy research trials and statistical data analysis, will be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in a commercial or R&D agronomy role, with a strong technical background and understanding of sales/commercial aspects.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to deliver key messages clearly and concisely.
• Good personnel and facility management skills.
• In-depth understanding of statistical principles and data analysis.
• Knowledge of farming best practices, seed technologies, and crop protection.
• Ability to skillfully plan, organize, and monitor performance to meet deadlines.
• Ability to coach people to excel by giving clear, direct, and skillful feedback.
• Ability to help teams understand how objectives are aligned with company strategy and how they add value.

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. 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.

Use of AI in Our Recruitment Process

At Syngenta, we use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen applications for high-volume roles.

When you submit an application, AI technology assesses your profile against the job requirements and generates a matching score. This score reflects how closely your qualifications, skills, and experience align with the role's criteria as defined in the job description.