Breeder Flowers

Syngenta Group • Gilroy, CA

307d • $97,000 - $145,000

About The Position

At Syngenta Flowers, we believe every employee has a role to play in bringing plant potential to life and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, the Research and Development Team is currently seeking a Breeder – Flower in Gilroy, CA. As a Breeder you will take ownership/leadership of different breeding programs that focused on the Syngenta Flowers’ 15-year strategy, by preparing and executing breeding trails in collaboration with product managers and consequently analyze the data from those trails. In that regard, you will be responsible for the development of inbred lines and hybrid varieties of assigned crops that meet the performance targets set by the Market Segment Leads with input from the marketing, supply chain, technical, production, legal and other development teams.

Requirements

• PhD in Plant Breeding/Plant Genetics with a minimum of 4 years of experience as a lead/principal seed breeder preferred in a commercial setting, or MS in Plant Breeding with 8 + years’ commercial seed breeding experience, including at least 5 years of independent breeding program management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of plant breeding, genetics, population and quantitative genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, plant physiology, plant pathology, and statistics.
• Fundamental understanding of disease resistance breeding techniques, molecular marker application in plant breeding and high throughput phenotyping techniques.
• Experience in project/program management in a team-oriented environment.
• Commercial awareness including understanding of financial implications and alignment of breeding scheme with company strategies.
• Agility in managing resources to achieve objectives and adapting breeding schemes to market changes.

Responsibilities

• Establish long-term breeding schemes by setting up annual trial planning and maintaining proper breeding evaluation, selection, pollination, designing and other trial administration.
• Actively participate in discovery projects for novel trait introgression through accelerating breakthrough innovations and collaborating with Trait Development Teams and Genetic Scientists.
• Implement data-driven decisions in every part of the breeding program.
• Manage germplasm diversity within the program and identify opportunities for expanding the program germplasm base.
• Maintain and develop product development portfolios in line with the market segment targets of the breeding profiles using different research disciplines.
• Work closely with the operation teams to establish and facilitate execution of breeding and pollination trials, elite stock management, and product comparison trials.
• Provide genetic input for quality seed production.
• Communicate effectively and regularly with peers, stakeholders and line managers regarding status of projects and work activities, raise awareness of issues that could affect meeting project objectives and business goals.
• Collaboration with other teams to participate on-site events for crops in breeding.
• Perform all tasks in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety, phytosanitary, and stewardship related company policies and practices, including completing all required training courses.

Benefits

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree