Seeds Production Research Parent Characterization Intern

ISU Research Park; Iowa, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Syngenta is seeking a Seeds Production Research Parent Characterization Intern in Slater, IA. This internship supports field trial management, data collection, agronomic evaluations, and project execution to advance seed production and new product development.

You will gain hands‑on experience through the Emerging Talent Program, with exposure to day‑to‑day operations and opportunities to apply academic knowledge to real challenges.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Enrollment in a Bachelor's degree program in Agronomy, Biology, Ag Business, or related field with graduation date December 2027 or later.
• Must be a current student continuing education after internship.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Preferred: Sophomore or Junior standing.
• May lift 30 pounds.
• Communication skills, attention to detail, autonomy, confidence and eagerness to learn are highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Gain exposure to Seed Parent Characterization activities, assisting in trial design, maintenance, harvesting, laboratory tasks and data analysis.
• Lead one Seed Parent Characterization location and understand corn hybrid development and parent characterization activities.
• Assess important traits for seed production to advance new product developments.
• Lead project management and execution for the assigned project, including field activities and data collection.
• Support other Seed Parent Characterization and agronomic trial activities.
• Develop and maintain two‑way communication with project managers, SPR Scientists, Agronomists, and Parent Seed colleagues.
• Assist with managing and developing part‑time workers.
• Analyze data and prepare a report and presentation.
• Ensure safety procedures are followed and promote environmentally sustainable solutions.

Skills

Communication

Detail-Oriented

Autonomous

Confidence

Eagerness to learn

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy/Biology/Ag Business or related field

Job description

Seeds Production Research Parent Characterization Intern

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. We invite you to help shape the future of agriculture and play a role in safely feeding the world while caring for our planet.

Syngenta's Production & Supply Team is seeking a Seeds Production Research Parent Characterization Intern in Slater, IA. This internship role will support the delivery of seed parent characterization research through field trial management, data collection, agronomic evaluations, and project execution to advance seed production and new product development.

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

Estimated Duration: May 2027 - August 2027

Location: Slater, IA

Accountabilities

• Gain exposure to Seed Parent Characterization activities, allowing the intern to apply their academic background and assist in department activities from trial design, preparation, maintenance, harvesting, laboratory tasks, and data analysis.


• Develop a good understanding of new corn hybrid development and parent characterization activities by taking a lead role for one of the Seed Parent Characterization locations.


• Strengthen new product advancements through the assessment of important traits for seed production.


• Take the lead on project management and execution according to the assigned project. Ensure that field activities (planting, plot maintenance, and harvest) for research plots are executed. This comprises routine site/farm maintenance activities, such as planting plots, applying treatments, collecting observations and in‑season data, and maintaining the plots throughout the growing season.


• Support other Seed Parent Characterization activities, as well as agronomic trial activities.


• Develop and maintain two‑way communication with project managers, Seed Production Research (SPR) Scientists, Agronomists, and Parent Seed colleagues. Additionally, communicate with people from different areas, from breeding all the way to commercial seed production, aiming to gain a good understanding of the whole chain.


• Assist with managing and developing part‑time workers.


• Analyze data and prepare a report and presentation for the assigned project.


• Ensure all activities are conducted according to Company safety procedures and recommendations, and promote environmentally sustainable solutions.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:


• A High School Diploma or equivalent.


• Enrollment in a Bachelor’s degree program in Agronomy, Biology, Ag Business, or another closely related field of study, with a graduation date of December 2027 or later.


• Must be a current student continuing their education upon completion of the internship term.


• A valid Driver's License.


• Desired Qualifications:


• Preference for a student with Sophomore or Junior standing.


• May be required to lift 30 pounds.

Communication: The ability to communicate information well (both written and spoken) is highly desired.

Detail-Oriented: All procedures and policies must be understood and followed.

Autonomous: An independent individual who is self‑motivated and needs little supervision.

Confidence: Not afraid to ask bold questions and be curious.

Eagerness to learn and grow in the role.

Previous internship and/or co‑op experience related to agriculture is preferred but not required.

Familiarity with working on a farm, working with crops, or working outdoors is preferred but not required.