Research Associate 2

About the job

• This is a seasonal Research Associate position that supports peak operational activities and is expected to work annually from approximately March 1 through December 1.
• Accountabilities:
• Functioning as an integral member of a team responsible for a full range of seasonal routine tasks including but not limited to planning, actively communicating, packaging, planting, note taking, and harvesting yield trials.
• Operation and in-field maintenance of agricultural machinery and/or agricultural research equipment.
• Supporting efforts to maintain integrity of seed packaging, field layout, planting, data collection, and harvesting.
• Performing all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety and stewardship-related company policies and practices, including completing all required company training courses.
• Supervising operational teams that include third-party contract labor and Syngenta full-time staff on and off site to achieve data-driven results and resolves minor problems or complaints. • Planting, phenotyping, pollinating, harvest

• Effectively communicating regularly with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities.

• Knowledge, experience & capabilities:
• Bachelor’s Degree in an agriculture-related discipline and/or relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and software systems.
• A basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding is desirable.
• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that impact trial data precision and accuracy.
• Understanding and demonstrated use of modern agronomic practices.
• Proficiently communicate and work well as part of a team.
• Remote Pilot Licenses or ability to acquire.
• CDL Class A with Airbrakes or ability to acquire.
• Pesticide Applicators License Holder or ability to acquire.
• Critical knowledge:
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex situations, identify patterns, and make decisions using incomplete or conflicting information.
• Passion for learning, adopting, and championing new technologies and innovative approaches.
• Proven track record of taking initiative, delivering measurable results, and driving continuous improvement.
• Commitment to safety, sustainability, and product stewardship.
• Critical experience:
• Experience in the seed technology industry, plant breeding, precision agriculture, or related agricultural operations.
• Working knowledge of agronomic management best practices.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment, software systems, and data-driven farming technologies.
• Familiarity with Almaco, Precision Planting, commercial, or research harvesting equipment is preferred.
• Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities:
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Smartsheet, and other standard business applications.
• Ability to utilize and support data collection, analysis, agronomic tracking, and KPI reporting systems.

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.