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Field Scientist - Trait Geneticist - Stanton, MN - 1302

Role Purpose -

The primary purpose of the Trait Geneticist - Native Traits is to procure and/or develop appropriate genetic material for Native Trait discovery and validation projects in maize and soy. In a team-oriented environment, the Trait Geneticist will support Native Trait Project Leaders (and associated project team members; e.g. Field Development Coordinators, Genetic Information Managers, Geographic Information Systems Scientists, etc.) by implementing best practices for the identification and molecular characterization of gene x phenotype associations for traits of interest. The Trait Geneticist will enable the generation and distribution of readily applicable trait-specific genetic information to Project Leaders, Product Development Scientists, and Genetic Information Managers, culminating in the creation of Native Trait enhanced products and germplasm.

Accountabilities -

Provide genetics and gene cloning expertise in support of the development, implementation, and use of genetic materials and methodologies, for the purpose of establishing definitive gene and allele dependent trait associations for multiple corn and soybean projects in the areas of gene discovery, gene validation, and allele characterization.

Knowledge, Experience & Capabilities -

Critical knowledge:

* Expertise in plant or animal breeding theory and Mendelian genetics (experimental designs, descriptive and test statistics, genetic gain theory, genetic models, linkage disequilibrium, etc.).
* A thorough knowledge of gene discovery strategies and methodologies, including genomics.
* Familiarity with gene cloning strategies.
* Firm understanding of genotyping systems.
* Ph.D. or M.S. and experience in relevant area, plant or animal.

Critical experience:

Demonstrated experience in specific projects and success in the area or a related area.

Critical success factors:

In cooperation with Statistical Geneticists, Native Trait Project Leaders and Field Development Coordinators, and in collaboration with Scientists from Applied Genomics, Genetic Information Management, Molecular Markers, and Maize Genetic Development, the Trait Geneticist will participate in projects as defined below:
1. Participate in the design and management of gene discovery, gene validation, and allele characterization projects for selected traits, particularly through designing field and controlled environment experiments and ensuring that high quality data collection and analyses methodologies are practiced..
2. Provide genetic material development expertise to support Native Trait projects.
3. Contribute to the consolidation and synthesis of trait specific genetic information to ensure its availability for genetic information applications.
4. Ensure emerging strategies and materials are implemented broadly in gene-trait association studies, by maintaining awareness of external developments and achievements, and participating in the development of tools, protocols, and methodologies, as appropriate, to support NT projects, and to broadly disseminate this information and assist the training of Syngenta staff as appropriate.
5. Fully participate as a member of multi-disciplinary project teams (Native Trait Field Development, Intellectual Property, licensing, markers, genomics, breeding, IT/IS, etc.) to develop products and extract value from Native Traits and Molecular Marker initiatives.
6. Fully participate as a member of a group of scientists representing the disciplines of Geographic Information Systems Science, Association Genetics and Data Mining.

Additional Information -

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

* Some travel by car and plane.
* Periods of intense work at critical times of the projects.

WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

* Indoor - extensive work at a computer for long periods of time.
* Outdoor - extensive, seasonal, hands-on involvement with field based experiments.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

* All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Syngenta offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including market-based pay, health/dental insurance, a generous 401(k) program, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance.

Qualified candidates should apply today! Please submit your application online at http://www.syngentacareers.com . EOE