Senior Research Associate

Syngenta Group•Malta, IL

21h•$74,000 - $90,000•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 Operations & Trialing Team is seeking a Senior Research Associate in Malta, IL. This role will support planning, leadership, and execution on a controlled environment operations team to ensure the successful management and execution of seed production for multiple crops within breeding pipelines. Executes role responsibilities in addition to managing others.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Agriculture, Operations Management, or a related field, or 8+ years of relevant experience.
Ability to effectively work in controlled environments.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Ability to perform manual labor tasks, such as bending, lifting, and standing for extended periods.
Expert record-keeping of research documents.
A proven track record of leading successful teams.
Ability to obtain necessary licenses or certifications.

Nice To Haves

Expert knowledge of agriculture and controlled environment facilities.
Excellent leadership skills with experience in team management and development.
Excellent organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Advanced proficiency in data analysis and interpretation of research results.
Proven ability to learn, champion, and ensure implementation of new technologies.
Proven ability to make and implement decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Experience working in and managing controlled environments.

Responsibilities

Provide direction for the functional controlled environment team in operations.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics.
Collaborate with site leadership and cross-functional teams to align operational strategies with business objectives.
Oversee the development and implementation of operational policies, procedures, and best practices.
Provide expert guidance, leadership, and mentoring to teams, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Manage and optimize operational budgets, resources, and personnel allocation.
Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of new technologies, systems, and tools.
Represent the functional team in cross-functional meetings and decision-making processes.
Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
Develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, vendors, and industry partners.
Identify and mitigate operational risks and develop contingency plans.
Lead cross-functional operational projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives.