Research Associate 3

Syngenta AG; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

401k with match

Paid time off

Education assistance

Job summary

Syngenta Seeds is seeking a Research Associate – Agronomy in Salinas to perform primarily field-based duties and support continuous corn and soybean nursery operations for reliable seed production. You will apply sound agronomic practices and coordinate with teams to ensure successful outcomes.

The role emphasizes monitoring crop health, irrigation, soil and pest conditions, data reporting, and hands-on field work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, or a related discipline.
• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural research or field trials.
• Experience executing field trials with limited supervision.
• Knowledge of crop establishment, soil fertility, irrigation, and pest management.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet local operating requirements.
• Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather, lift up to 50 pounds, and work up to seven days during peak season.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and evaluate agronomy activities across field nurseries from land prep through harvest and product delivery.
• Monitor crop establishment, health, irrigation, soil and pest conditions and support timely corrective actions.
• Coordinate, train and observe employees and contract labor, while hands-on field work and equipment operation as needed.
• Maintain accurate field data, crop-status updates, training materials and technical reports.
• Promote an HSE-first culture and support safe, compliant field practices, equipment use and chemical stewardship.

Skills

Field trials experience

Outdoor work stamina

Valid driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy or related

Job description

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

Join Syngenta Seeds as a Research Associate – Agronomy in Salinas, Puerto Rico. In this primarily field-based role, you will support continuous corn and soybean nursery operations and help deliver reliable seed production through sound agronomic execution, team coordination and early identification of crop risks.

Accountabilities

• Plan, execute and evaluate agronomy activities across field nurseries, from land preparation through harvest and product delivery.
• Monitor crop establishment, crop health, irrigation, soil and pest conditions; identify constraints early and support timely corrective actions within approved protocols.
• Coordinate, train and observe employees and contract labor while contributing hands‑on field work and equipment operation as needed.
• Maintain accurate field data, crop-status updates, training materials and technical reports in approved systems.
• Promote an HSE‑first culture and support safe, compliant field practices, equipment use and chemical stewardship.

Qualifications

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

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, Horticulture or a related agricultural discipline.
• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural research, crop production, field trials, nursery operations or technical agronomy.
• Demonstrated experience executing field trials or comparable agricultural field activities with limited day-to-day supervision.
• Practical knowledge of crop establishment, soil fertility, irrigation, crop protection and/or weed management.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet local operating requirements.
• Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and terrain, lift up to 50 pounds, and occasionally work up to seven days per week during peak crop season.

Desired

• Experience with corn and/or soybean production.
• Experience independently managing multi-location and/or multi-season field trials.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) experience and a proactive approach to identifying and escalating pest risks.
• Experience operating, maintaining or calibrating agricultural equipment, such as tractors, planters, sprayers or irrigation systems.
• Master’s degree in a relevant agricultural discipline.

Additional Information

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

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 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.