Trait Introgression Scientist

Job description

About Us

Through leading innovations, we help farmers around the world meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and taking care of our planet. We are currently seeking an Vegetable Trait Introgression Scientist for the Vegetables & Flowers Seed Development team in Enkhuizen, The Netherlands. Other Syngenta locations might be considered.

Role Purpose

Execute the Trait Introgression (TI) strategy for respective crop(s) and effectively managing the TI pipeline in alignment with priorities and resources

Optimize the TI process in collaboration with cross-functional teams in Vegetables & Flowers Seed Development and across Syngenta

Monitor KPIs regularly and leverage KPIs to increase success of TI conversions and TI pipeline delivery

Drive the deployment of new data analytics, new technologies and/or technical workflows for continuous TI improvement.

Qualifications

Accountabilities

• Execute effectively short- and long-term TI strategies to incorporate new native traits into the Syngenta’s TI pipeline as efficiently as possible for given crop(s)
• Work closely with crop units and in particular R&D OU members who are steering TI allocations and prioritize TI projects per crop. Prioritize and make decisions independently day to day as necessary to deliver on TI pipeline.
• Optimize TI processes and protocols to continuously increase quality, reduce cycle time, optimize planning and make efficient use of resources
• Drive continuous improvement of the TI process including new donor development, trait stacking strategies, and adoption of advanced analytical tools for simulation of donor/recurrent parent crosses and in silico optimization of TI project cycling and resourcing
• Monitor and provide regular updates on key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant for TI process, such as quality of delivered conversions, TI cycle time, cost of the version delivered, and showcase TI progress through digital applications, visualizations and dashboards
• Drive monthly and yearly planning using appropriate IT tools, develop long-range view for given crop(s), monitor annual budget and propose investments in cooperation with TI Operations teams
• Collaborate with partners in Applied Genetics, Germplasm Development, Biological Operations and other teams to design experiments that test efficiency of implementing new methods or procedures and take accountability for pilots that drive TI optimization efforts
• Drive the implementation of new technologies that contribute increased speed and quality and TI optimization overall.
• Engage with global functions at Syngenta to contribute towards development of new capabilities for Trait Introgression

Critical Knowledge:

• PhD degree in Genetics, Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Plant Sciences or related field, or MS degree and ≥ 5 years of experience, or BS degree and ≥ 10 years of experience
• Knowledge of methods of plant breeding (hybrid and varietal crops), plant genetics, marker-assisted workflows and genotyping technologies

Critical Experience:

• Experience in plant molecular breeding, germplasm management (such as breeding nursery management and breeding cycle logistics) and/or TI in R&D setting (preferably applied to commercial breeding programs)
• Experience in project management including managing priorities and resources
• Experience in enterprise IT and digital tools for germplasm management, and in digital tools for data visualization and project management
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Demonstrated ability to identify critical issues and engage with cross functional stakeholders to solve problems in timely manner

Critical Capabilities:

• Data and digital fluency to effectively manage TI process using advanced analytics
• Results orientation and drive to deliver high quality trait conversions that enrich the germplasm pipeline
• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage complex processes requiring alignment between multi-functional teams
• Ability to work independently and prioritize work and resources day to day
• Agility and willingness to change plans and think outside the box to solve problems and meet critical delivery timelines
• Ability to work effectively in multi-cultural teams and drive results in global team settings
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and preferably Dutch