Job Description

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. To support this mission, Syngenta’s Operations & Trialing Team is seeking an Applied Double Haploid Scientist in Nampa, ID. This role will play a pivotal role in advancing breeding efficiency across corn and cereals through innovative, scalable doubled haploid (DH) technologies. This position integrates expertise in plant tissue culture, reproductive biology, genetics, and process optimization to develop, refine, and implement DH protocols that accelerate genetic gain.

The successful candidate will drive technical innovation in haploid induction, chromosome doubling, tissue culture optimization, and workflow automation across both crop groups. Close collaboration with breeding, operations, and enabling technology teams will ensure that DH advancements translate into practical, high-impact solutions for global breeding pipelines. This role requires both scientific depth and strategic execution to enhance DH production efficiency, quality, and scalability.

Accountabilities:

• Optimize DH induction and production protocols for both corn and cereals, leading experimental design and process refinement.
• Develop novel methodologies for haploid identification and new DH protocols, enabling improved accuracy, throughput, and cross-crop applicability.
• Enhance chromosome doubling efficiency by optimizing plant regeneration media, tissue culture conditions, and doubling strategies across corn and cereals.
• Improve haploid seed quality and vigor through refined hardening, nursery practices, and early-stage plant management.
• Scale automated DH workflows, driving adoption of high-throughput, cost-efficient systems for both crop groups.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives, implementing innovative solutions that increase productivity while maintaining quality and meeting KPI expectations.
• Integrate DH technologies into breeding programs, coordinating cohort schedules, delivery timelines, and technology deployment to accelerate genetic gain.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, comprising molecular biology, bioinformatics, automation engineering, digital, and product development, to deliver integrated DH solutions.
• Stay current with scientific advances, such as CRISPR applications in DH systems, novel haploid inducer development, improved tissue culture methods, and emerging chromosome doubling technologies.
• Ensure documentation, reporting, and FTO compliance, supporting IP generation and adherence to Syngenta’s Freedom to Operate guidelines.

Qualifications

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must reside in and be permanently authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. This comprises, but is not limited to, OPT, CPT, and H-1B visa holders.

Education

• Ph.D. in Plant Science, Plant Breeding, Horticulture, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree with extensive industry experience (10+ years) may be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience developing or optimizing DH technologies in industry or academia, preferably in row crops.
• Demonstrated success reducing costs or improving efficiency in molecular biology or tissue culture workflows at scale.
• Expertise in plant tissue culture, plant regeneration, and growth management across lab, greenhouse, and field environments.
• Practical experience with aseptic techniques, plant dissection, media preparation, and growth regulator use.

Technical Skills:

• Deep understanding of molecular and physiological pathways influencing haploid induction and DH development in corn and cereals.
• Proficiency with imaging systems (light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, digital imaging) for haploid identification.
• Familiarity with plant handling systems, such as embryo rescue, anther/microspore culture, and regeneration workflows.
• Working knowledge of genetic principles underlying maternal haploid induction systems and DH recovery.
• Understanding of key stages in row-crop variety development and commercialization.
• Experience analyzing and optimizing environmental conditions that influence DH system performance.

Additional Information

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

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