Research Associate 2

Syngenta; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits from day one

401k with company match

Paid vacation & holidays

Education assistance

Job summary

Syngenta in Indiana is seeking a Research Associate 2 to support the Operations & Trialing Team in delivering high‑quality field trial data for corn and soybean experiments. The nine‑month position covers planning, planting, data collection, and harvest activities with limited supervision.

The role requires an associate degree in agriculture or related experience, plus experience with precision ag tools. DOT, pesticide and drone credentials are preferred but not mandatory.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software.
• Knowledge of corn and soybean trial crops.
• Understanding of data precision impacting trials.
• Knowledge of modern agronomic practices.
• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Ability to obtain a medical DOT card.
• Pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain.
• Drone experience or ability to obtain a drone license.
• Able to solve problems with limited supervision.
• Maintain positive relations with area cooperators.

Responsibilities

• Conduct yield trials: planning, communication, planting, note taking and harvest.
• Evaluate and secure yield trial land in the testing area.
• Serve as expert on yield trial processes and protocols.
• Work with minimal supervision and operate autonomously.
• Supervise third‑party contract labor for planting, phenotyping and harvest.
• Lead projects across stations and mentor team members.
• Contribute to new process protocols and standards.
• Communicate status regularly with the Trialing Manager.
• Operate tractors for planting plots and combines for data collection.

Skills

Precision agriculture

Drone operation

Team communication

Problem solving

Agronomic practices

Education

Associate degree in agriculture

Tools

DOT card

Pesticide Applicator License

Drone license

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 Operations & Trialing Team is seeking a Research Associate 2 in Indiana. This role will provide the highest-quality field trial data through timely and accurate note collection and sound trial execution in corn and soybean trials. This role comprises supporting local trialing efforts to create superior products, as well as assisting the Trialing Manager’s targeted goals by continuously innovating and driving optimal field trial management.

THIS IS A 9-MONTH POSITION FROM MARCH 1 TO NOVEMBER 30.

Accountabilities

• Function as an integral member of a team responsible for the full range of seasonal activities related to conducting yield trials, such as planning, active communication, packaging, planting, note taking, and harvest.
• Evaluate and secure quality yield trial land in the desired testing area.
• Serve as an expert source of information on yield trialing processes and protocols.
• Complete work with a very limited degree of supervision and the ability to work autonomously.
• Supervise third-party contract labor to assist with planting, phenotyping, and harvest.
• Lead projects with impact both on and across stations/sites and provide formal and/or informal guidance, training, and support to other team members.
• Provide input to the development of new process protocols and standards.
• Effectively communicate regularly with the Trialing Manager regarding the status of projects and work activities.
• Operate tractors for planting research plots.
• Operate research combines for data collection.

Qualifications

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must reside in and be permanently authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. This comprises, but is not limited to, OPT, CPT, and H-1B visa holders.

• Associate’s degree in an agriculture-related discipline and/or relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems.
• Knowledge of multiple crops tested in trialing (corn and soy).
• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that impact trial data precision and accuracy.
• Understanding and demonstrated use of modern agronomic practices.
• Ability to communicate proficiently and work well as part of a team.
• Ability to acquire a medical DOT card.
• Commercial Pesticide Applicator License holder, or ability to acquire.
• Drone experience and/or ability to acquire a drone license.
• Solve complex and varied problems with a very limited degree of supervision.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with area cooperators.

Additional Information

Salary for this position ranges between $55,200 - $69,000 prorated over 9 months.

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: 2A