R&D Scientist 1

Syngenta; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Medical, Dental & Vision

401k match

Paid vacation & holidays

Education assistance

Wellness programs

Job summary

Syngenta is seeking an R&D Scientist 1 in Arkansas to lead field research trials across crops, focusing on insect, weed, disease control and biological solutions. High-quality data collection will support product development and label expansion.

You will collaborate with universities, extension partners, CROs, and growers, providing technical training and documentation to support product positioning and regulatory labeling initiatives.

Qualifications

• MS in Weed Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Nematology, or related field; PhD preferred.
• 5 years of relevant experience with MS or 3 years with PhD in agricultural research.
• Experience conducting field efficacy trials of insect, weed, disease control products, biologicals, biostimulants.
• Strong knowledge of agronomy and crop production systems.
• Hands-on experience with planting, tillage, and application equipment.
• Ability to analyze data, solve problems, and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage field research trials across crops including insect, weed, disease control.
• Design, implement, and oversee efficacy trials with high-quality data for product development.
• Analyze results and provide technical recommendations for product advancement and new applications.
• Collaborate with universities, extension partners, CROs, and growers to deliver impactful research.
• Provide technical expertise through training, demonstrations, and documentation for product positioning and regulatory labeling.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

MS in Weed Science or related Agricultural Science

PhD preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Field equipment operation

Job description

Company Description

At Syngenta Crop Protection, we're pioneering solutions that safeguard global food security while championing sustainable agriculture. As a world market leader headquartered in Switzerland, we empower farmers with innovative crop protection technologies that defend against nature's toughest challenges. We unite advanced science with digital solutions to develop intelligent crop protection that maximizes yields while minimizing environmental impact. Join our mission of revolutionizing plant protection from seed to harvest.

Company Description

At Syngenta Crop Protection, we're pioneering solutions that safeguard global food security while championing sustainable agriculture. As a world market leader headquartered in Switzerland, we empower farmers with innovative crop protection technologies that defend against nature's toughest challenges. We unite advanced science with digital solutions to develop intelligent crop protection that maximizes yields while minimizing environmental impact. Join our mission of revolutionizing plant protection from seed to harvest.

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 Crop Protection Team is seeking an R&D Scientist 1 in Arkansas.

Accountabilities

• Lead and manage field research trials focused on crop protection, including insect, weed, disease, seed treatment, and biological solutions across a diverse range of crops.
• Design, implement, and oversee internal and external efficacy trials while ensuring high-quality data collection to support product development and label expansion.
• Analyze research results and provide technical recommendations that drive product advancement, new applications, and innovative agricultural solutions.
• Collaborate with universities, extension partners, contract research organizations, and growers to deliver impactful research and strengthen industry partnerships.
• Provide technical expertise through training, demonstrations, and scientific documentation to support product positioning, customer education, and regulatory labeling initiatives.

Qualifications

• M.S. degree in Weed Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Nematology, or a related Agricultural Science field required; Ph.D. preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience with an M.S. or 3 years with a Ph.D. in agricultural research, including applied field sciences.
• Proven experience conducting field efficacy trials evaluating insect, weed, disease control products, biologicals, biostimulants, and related technologies.
• Strong knowledge of agronomy, crop production systems, and agricultural research methodologies.
• Hands‑on experience operating or working with agricultural equipment, including planting, tillage, and application equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, solve complex problems, make sound decisions, and develop innovative solutions that support business objectives.
• Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, collaborate across teams, and effectively present technical information.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 25% within the assigned territory, with occasional travel outside the region. ( Arkansas and Missouri)
• Must be able to work extended hours during peak field research seasons as needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship from Syngenta.

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, 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.

WL: 4B