Job Description

ROLE PURPOSE  In this Research Associate, Pathology  role, you will be a part of a highly motivated research team at our new Research Innovation Centre in Malta, IL focused on plant pathology research and development projects - to support field crop product development and placement. Research Associate will support efforts in inoculum production, lab studies  and conducting greenhouse/field trials to deliver plant disease phenotyping results.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Support lab activities to ensure disease isolates are maintained and produce inoculum in adequate supply for disease screening program. 
• Work independently and within cross functional teams to maintain, inoculate and rate disease trials to deliver high quality, timely plant disease data.
• Perform all tasks to be compliant with and in support of all safety and stewardship related company policies and practices, including completing all required company training courses 
• Supervise seasonal employees to complete activities in lab/GH/field.
• Able to efficiently communicate progress to supervisor, and peers in cross functional teams.
• Travel to off-site locations to accurately collect and manage disease data obtained from trials as needed.
• Prepare reports and data files to share with supervisor in effective and timely manner, including oral reports and presentations.
• Be current on relevant research advancements, and meaningfully contribute to research strategy.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s in Agronomy, Biology, Crop sciences or Plant Pathology.
• Relevant experience in Field/Greenhouse research
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Must be Flexible in working long hours both weekends and holidays as needed.
• Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse for long hours
• Physical demands of the essential functions: 
• Work environment varies from lab, greenhouse and field to typical office and meeting environments 
• Exposure to high and low temperatures in greenhouse, field, or cold seed store 
• Capable of standing, sitting, bending, lifting, squatting for several hours at a time in lab, greenhouse, growth chamber, or field to conduct essential physical work of role 
• Potential exposure to allergens / irritants such as dust, pollen, fungal spores, and chemical pesticide residues in the field or greenhouse 
• Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds  
• Capable of working longer hours during time-critical periods and during travel
• Able to drive long distance for domestic travel with overnight stays specially during time-critical periods of growing season.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Good theoretical and practical knowledge of plant pathology 
• Two years of demonstrated academic or industry research experience in plant pathology field, greenhouse and/or lab research 
• Field/Greenhouse research experience in corn/soybean.
• Successful experience in general pathology lab techniques
• Demonstrable excellence in use of MS Office, especially Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and ability / mindset to implement use of new software / apps
• Detail Oriented-All procedures and policies must be understood and followed  
• Ability to adapt and quickly learn and apply new technologies and skills as technology advances in research, information technology, processes, data systems, and software / apps.
• Strong planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills across widely varied research activities

Additional Information

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution 
• Paid Vacation, 9 Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year

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.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)  (http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmla.htm)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) (http://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/firststep/poster_direct.htm)

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) (http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppa.htm)         

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