As global demand for food and fuel continues to rise, we are dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries. We work in a collaborative and inspiring culture where personal contribution is rewarded and growth and development are at the heart of our culture.

Through our world-class science, global reach and commitment to working with our customers, we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life.

There's never been a more important time to join Syngenta.

Associate Scientist - Molecular Marker Lab - Project Coordination Team Lead- Slater, IA - 1498

Role Purpose -
The Molecular Marker Laboratory is responsible for generating and analyzing large volumes of DNA marker data on field corn, sweet corn, soybeans, and vegetable crops using various marker systems, as well as effectively communicating these data to scientists throughout the Syngenta organization. Our project goal is to integrate and apply developing molecular marker technologies faster and more efficiently than all others in our industry. This position is essential to fulfill our project goal, and is responsible for executing laboratory processes necessary to complete marker-assisted plant breeding projects

Accountabilities -

• Function as a member of a diverse project team. Will interact with peers, lab personnel, contract scoring personnel, and customers from diverse business units.
• Personnel Management
  • Lead team of analysts at home site. Mayv consist of regular Syngenta project coordination employees, flexible scoring personnel from core lab, and contract scoring personnel. Hire (as needed), train, and supervise.
  • Train project coordination, core flexible scoring,v and contract personnel in basic analysis skills to include: project set up, experiment set up, scoring, data consolidation, and reporting. Ensure ability of project coordination analysts to produce and report quality data using expected segregation, parental expectations, and lab controls and to solve problems. Proprietary programs include Magenta, GenoSNP, MasScore, BackCross and various Excel Macros.
  • Serve as primary contact for group of project types.v
  • Review, maintain and update existing analysis and training protocols and develop additional training or work process documents as needed.
  • Lead orv contribute to weekly and quarterly analysis group meetings, monthly and annual marker lab meetings.
• Customer Coordination -
  • Serve as primary contact for a group of lab customers.
  • Attend customer meetings with goal ofv understanding funding group overview, project goals, and future directions.
  • Assist in developing/improving protocols for new or existing project types.
  • Communicate lab processes to the customer group.
  • Conduct monthly meetingsv to review experiment status and expected submissions.
• Quality Assurance
  • Lead quality assurance activities in several areas including:v Testing to assure consistency in data produced across platforms and labs, and scoring across analysis personnel;
  • Creating and maintaining appropriate controls;
  • Maintaining and reviewing data bases to extract information regarding marker and control performance; Report issues with consensus map positions
• Read and understand scientific literature, participate in meetings and share relevant information with others.

Knowledge, Experience & Capabilities -
Critical knowledge:

• Masters Degree in Breeding / Genetics / Biotechnology with 2-3 year relevant experience (AS II)
• Experience with marker assisted inbred conversion a strong plus

• Ability to hire, train, and manage personnel.
• Ability to effectively use DNA marker analysis software.
• Ability to effectively use Excel, Access and other Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to work well in a team and to communicate with individuals throughout various levels of our organization.
• Ability and motivation to learn and apply new technologies.
• Ability to use professional concepts in accordance with company objectives to solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.
• Ability to work on complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors. Ability to determine methods and procedures on new assignments and can provide guidance to other personnel.
• Strong understanding of Mendelian and Population Genetics, Experimental Statistics
• Good knowledge of genome organization, gene structure and genetic engineering

• Sets ambitious strategic goals
• Communicates inspirationally

• Steps beyond comfort zones
• Fosters a culture of creativity and innovation

• Focuses energy on must-wins
• Manages performance to high standard

• Develop self and others
• Recognizes and celebrates success

• Understand how work relates to the project goals and Syngenta goals.

Additional Information -

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

• Ability to travel by automobile and aircraft
• Ability to sit at a computer for extended periods of time
• Some travel

• Varies from typical office to lab environment.

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