R&D Specialist

Syngenta Group • Vero Beach, FL

3d • $64,000 - $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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 Product Biology Team is seeking an R&D Specialist in Vero Beach, Florida. This role will own the fungal inoculum production process from start to finish. You’ll manage diverse testing capabilities—spanning the lab to the field—with a dedicated focus on soil-borne plant pathogenic fungi. If you are driven by precision and scientific excellence, we want to hear from you.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. degree in mycology, biological science, or agriculture with experience in microbiology lab methods.
• AA/AS degree plus 5 years’ experience.
• Good planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills.
• Good oral, written, communication, and digital skills.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply new skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in microbiology-related field and biological in trial design, setup, and data capture are preferred.
• Standardizing and summarizing biological data.
• Experience with mycology-related discipline, or direct experience with soil-borne plant pathogens.

Responsibilities

• Drive the VBRC fungal inoculum production platform, overseeing the entire lifecycle from mass production and quality control to logistics.
• Proactively optimize laboratory methods for bulk production and manage the strain inventory to ensure peak efficiency.
• Conduct high-impact biological efficacy assays focused on soil-borne diseases across laboratory, greenhouse, and semi-field settings.
• Execute comprehensive plant health assessments, including seed germination testing and detailed performance evaluations.
• Provide expert technical support to the Seedcare bioteam, serving as the go-to resource for fungal inoculum and soil-borne disease inquiries.
• Champion continuous improvement by participating in task forces and utilizing OPEX/CI tools to solve operational challenges.
• Lead the development of others by managing the formal orientation and training for general assistants and technicians.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level