Agronomic Research Scientist

Syngenta; Waterloo Precinct (NE); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefit Package

401k with company match

Paid vacation & holidays

Job summary

Syngenta in Waterloo, NE seeks a seasoned agronomy researcher to support marketing and sales objectives by conducting comprehensive agronomic studies on corn and soybean varieties.

You will deliver value-added agronomic content that strengthens NK and Golden Harvest brand positioning as trusted advisors while collaborating with sales and agronomy teams across Eastern Commercial Units in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. and/or M.S. in Agronomy or related field preferred.
• B.S. in Agronomy with 5+ years of research experience acceptable.
• 5+ years in commercial or R&D agronomy with sales/commercial exposure.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• 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 plan, organize, and monitor performance to meet deadlines.
• Ability to coach teams and align objectives with company strategy.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with sales and agronomy teams to identify regional needs and deliver targeted agronomic solutions.
• Lead the complete research lifecycle from study design to field mapping for corn and soybean variety trials.
• Oversee planting, plot maintenance, harvest operations, data collection, and supervision of part-time staff across multiple sites.
• Conduct statistical analyses of yield and agronomic data; prepare technical reports and presentations; present findings to internal teams and customers.
• Maintain research equipment and ensure precision through routine maintenance and seasonal preparation.

Skills

Communication skills

Statistical analysis

Project coordination

Coaching and feedback

Team leadership

Public speaking

Education

Ph.D./M.S. in Agronomy or related field

B.S. in Agronomy with 5+ years agronomy research experience

Tools

Statistical software

Job 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.

Company Description

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. To support this mission, Syngenta’s Sales Team is seeking a (position title) in Waterloo, NE. 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.

Additional Information

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, 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: 4A