Research Associate 3-1

Syngenta; Clinton (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401k with match

Paid time off

Education assistance

Wellness programs

Job summary

Syngenta Seeds seeks a Research Associate 3 to support the Trait Evaluation regulated field trial network. You will execute yield trials in corn and soybeans with high precision and safety, generating high-quality data to identify superior products.

The role requires handling planting, phenotyping, harvest, and data documentation, collaborating with teams to ensure timely trials and strict compliance. A strong agronomy background and familiarity with precision ag equipment are essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agriculture or related field preferred, or bachelor’s with relevant experience.
• Associate’s degree with significant years of experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Locate and contract testing locations, plant, maintain plots, spray, phenotype, and harvest research trials.
• Serve as site SME for regulated field trials, ensuring proper paperwork and stewardship.
• Act as key contact for testing locations and supervise field tasks.
• Operate and maintain agricultural and research equipment including drones and phenotyping devices.
• Ensure safety and compliance with company policies and training.
• Guide third-party labor and internal teams to achieve trial results.
• Communicate project status and data quality to peers and supervisors.
• Suggest process improvements for local and regional sites.
• Support additional business needs as required.

Skills

Precision agriculture equipment

Data accuracy mindset

Strong communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master’s degree in agriculture or related field

Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience

Associate’s degree + significant experience

Tools

Precision planters

Drones

Automated phenotyping equipment

Research combines

Job description

Company Description

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs.

Company Description

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs.

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.

Job Description

The purpose of the Research Associate 3 is to support the Trait Evaluation regulated field trial network in executing regulated research yield trials on time, with high precision and accuracy in a safe and compliant manner, to generate the highest quality data to allow identification of superior performing products in corn and soybeans.

Accountabilities

• Serve as an integral member of the team responsible for locating and contracting high quality testing locations, planting, plot maintenance, spraying, note-taking (phenotyping), and harvesting research trial plots.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for all regulated field trials conducted by the site, ensuring that all paperwork, documentation, and stewardship protocols are followed.
• Function as the key contact for the assigned testing locations.
• Serve as an expert on operations and maintenance of agricultural machinery and research equipment, including precision planters, drones, automated phenotyping equipment, and research combines.
• Set the standard for the local team by performing all tasks in compliance with and in support of all safety and stewardship-related company policies and practices, including completion of all required company training courses.
• Guide and supervise all tasks completed by both full-time and third-party contract labor to achieve the Trialing Manager’s desired results, e.g., assisting the team with field layout, planting, phenotyping, harvest, etc.
• Effectively and regularly communicate with peers and supervisors regarding the status of crop destruct projects, work-related activities, and the quality and timeliness of collected data.
• Propose process improvements that positively impact both local and regional sites.
• Support other activities based on business and team needs.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (preferably in an agriculture-related discipline) or a bachelor’s degree with relevant experience is required. Associate’s degree with significant years of experience will be considered. Degreed candidates with relevant operational training or experience outside of agriculture will also be considered.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems is required
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required
• Ability to acquire and maintain Part 107 Federal Aviation Administration is desirable
• Ability to acquire and maintain a federal medical card to operate commercial motor vehicles is required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a class A CDL is desirable
• In depth knowledge of agriculture and agronomy practices is required
• A strong understanding of the practices and procedures that impact trial data precision and accuracy
• Strong communication skills and proven ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
• Pesticide Applicators License Holder or ability to acquire a license is required
• Experience working with regulated material is desirable

Additional Information

Salary range for this position is $64,000 - $96,000 per year.

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.