Digital Genomics Prediction Intern

Cognitioworld; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Culture of collaboration

Professional development

Work-life balance

Career development resources

Meaningful projects

Job summary

Syngenta is seeking a graduate student for an internship focused on phenotyping platform operations, including sensor deployment, image acquisition, and field data collection in greenhouse and field environments.

You will contribute to image processing workflows, trait extraction, and optimize analytical pipelines using Python and R, while leading a research project on phenotyping methodology validation and trait measurement innovation.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as a graduate student.
• Pursuing a degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Science, Agronomy, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Biology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Entomology, Weed Science, Crop Science, or related discipline.
• Programming in Python and/or R for data analysis.
• Minimum GPA 3.0.

Responsibilities

• Support phenotyping platform operations including sensor deployment, image acquisition, and field data collection in greenhouse and field environments.
• Contribute to image processing workflows, trait extraction algorithms, and optimize analytical pipelines using advanced computational tools.
• Lead an independent research project focused on phenotyping methodology validation or trait measurement innovation, presenting findings to research leadership.
• Collaborate with plant breeders, agronomists, and data scientists to integrate phenotypic insights into breeding decisions and product development.
• Maintain detailed experimental records, SOPs, and technical documentation to ensure reproducibility.

Skills

Python

R

Data analysis

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Pursuing graduate degree in Plant Breeding/Plant Science/Agronomy/CS/Data Science/Engineering/Biology

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

QGIS

Job description

Your Role

Here's what you will be doing:

• Support phenotyping platform operations including sensor deployment, image acquisition, and field data collection in greenhouse and field environments.
• Contribute to image processing workflows, trait extraction algorithms, and optimize analytical pipelines using advanced computational tools.
• Lead an independent research project focused on phenotyping methodology validation or trait measurement innovation, presenting findings to research leadership.
• Collaborate with plant breeders, agronomists, and data scientists to integrate phenotypic insights into breeding decisions and product development.
• Maintain detailed experimental records, standard operating procedures, and technical documentation to ensure reproducibility.

About You

The company is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:

• Currently enrolled as a graduate student in an accredited college or university.
• Pursuing a degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Science, Agronomy, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Biology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Entomology, Weed Science, Crop Science, or related discipline.
• Hands‑on experience with agricultural research, remote sensing, field trials, or crop production systems is beneficial.
• Programming proficiency in Python and/or R for data analysis and visualization.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication skills for both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Desired qualifications include:

• Experience working with geospatial datasets.
• Understanding of GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro or QGIS and spatial databases.
• Experience with machine learning applications in remote sensing, including classification, regression, and object detection.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly salary ranging from $20 to $45.
• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration.
• Promotion of professional development and work‑life balance.
• Competitive wages and ongoing career development resources.
• Opportunities to work on meaningful, innovative projects that solve problems.

Training & Development

As part of Syngenta's Emerging Talent Program, interns gain hands‑on experience, exposure to daily business operations, and opportunities to apply academic knowledge to real‑world challenges while developing professional skills.