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 a Trialing Specialist in Phoenix, AZ.

The Trialing Specialist is a hands-on field research role within Syngenta's Seeds Development organization, responsible for the end-to-end execution of research trials that evaluate the performance of experimental vegetable seed varieties and hybrids. Reporting to the Trialing & Product Placement Lead, this role is at the heart of how Syngenta brings better seeds to market—from planting through harvest, data collection, and everything in between.

In this role, you will own the full trial cycle across assigned geographies, selecting and managing trial locations, operating specialized farm and precision agriculture equipment, and capturing high-quality phenotypic data using digital tools and advanced technologies. You will work closely with growers, seed dealers, and internal teams across R&D, Marketing, and Sales to ensure trial objectives are met on time and to the highest standards of data integrity.

This is a field-intensive position requiring flexibility, independent judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence. During peak growing seasons, extended hours and regional travel—up to 40–50%—are expected. If you are someone who thrives in the field, takes pride in data quality, and wants your work to directly contribute to crop innovation that impacts farmers worldwide, this role is for you.

Accountabilities:

• Drive the end-to-end trialing process—from trial planning, planting, and field management through harvest and data collection—ensuring trialing objectives are met on time and to quality standards.
• Operate and maintain specialized farm and precision agriculture equipment, such as planters, tractors, and automated harvest machinery, with responsibility for adjustment and basic repairs.
• Capture detailed phenotypic observations using advanced digital tools, imaging technologies, and drones, and ensure timely, accurate data storage in corporate systems.
• Select and optimize trial locations in alignment with target markets, customer segments, and trialing best practices; prepare and negotiate grower contracts.
• Partner closely with R&D, Marketing, and Sales teams—as well as growers and seed dealers—to communicate trial progress, resolve field issues, and maintain strategic trial site relationships.
• Lead and coach third-party field crews, managing performance and ensuring data integrity, operational excellence, and adherence to HSE standards.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in trialing operations and participate in research and process improvement initiatives related to vegetable variety phenotyping.

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._

• Required: BS degree. Preferred: MSc degree in Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or an agriculture-related field.
• Practical knowledge of crop management, agronomy/horticulture practices, plant physiology, and plant breeding across vegetable crops.
• Deep understanding of practices and procedures that affect trial data quality and accuracy.
• Strong digital fluency and database management skills. Ability to master proprietary IT systems for data storage, label printing, and inventory management.
• Hands-on experience operating farming and precision agriculture equipment (e.g., planters, tractors, automated harvest equipment), such as adjustment, maintenance, and basic repairs.
• Demonstrated experience with electronic data capture and digital phenotyping tools and technologies (e.g., drones, imaging methods), and motivation for continuous learning.
• Fluency in English and the local language; demonstrated strong written and verbal communication abilities.

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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