Job Description

Syngenta Flowers North America is one of the largest wholesale breeders of hybrid flower seed and cuttings in the world – developing and producing flower seeds and cuttings for growers internationally.
Syngenta Flowers is dedicated to the breeding innovative flower varieties that offer outstanding performance in the professional greenhouse, at retail, in the landscape and in the home garden. In addition to legendary genetics, we support industry professionals with world-class customer service, in-depth cultural information, flexible and exciting marketing programs, and a deep understanding of plants from many points of view.
Syngenta Flowers has garnered more than 35 international awards for introducing hybrid annuals to the world, including such garden mainstays as Calliope® Interspecific Geraniums, Diabunda™ Dianthus, Endurio™ Violas, Sparkler™ Cleome, and Magellan™ Zinnias. 

Job Description

The North America R&D Flowers team is currently seeking a Pathology Associate located in Gilroy, California.

Role purpose

• Support plant disease diagnosis using molecular biology tools, such as DNA, RNA, and protein extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, ELISA, and hybridization.
• Perform the microbial identification through their taxonomy
• Assist the development of protocols for new technologies and subsequently the delivery of innovations in strong collaboration with other R&D, Operation, Marketing, and Supply Chain team members.

Accountabilities

• Perform DNA, RNA, and protein extraction from plant materials (leaf, stem, root, and tissue cultures), soil, and microbes.
• Set up and execute the plant disease diagnosis using molecular tools, such as PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, ELISA and hybridization.
• Assist to develop and validate the protocol for fast and accurate plant disease diagnosis.
• Work with the Breeding Team to identify and evaluate the impact and importance of new technologies
• Track and maintain plant disease diagnosis results on database systems/tools and ensure visibility to all users throughout the process
• Must be able to work independently in the laboratory
• Work collaboratively on a regular basis with other team members in R&D, Operation, Marketing, and Supply Chain.
• Follow compliance with laws and regulations of plant pests (USDA-APHIS, CDFA, County), laboratory safety, and chemical use
• Track consumable inventory required for activities and submit purchase request to Trial Support Administrator
• Utilize all good hygiene/sanitation practices employed in the lab
• Maintain clean laboratory work areas and supplies, including plastic consumables such as pipette tips and petri dishes, and laboratory equipment.
• Support preventative maintenance and annual lab equipment calibration.
• Ability to work with other research associates for disease trait development.
• Enjoy new challenges and learn new techniques as needed.

Qualifications

Critical knowledge

• B.S. or MSc degree or equivalent in Biology or Agriculture
• Relevant knowledge of plant pathology, molecular biology, and microbiology.

Critical experience

• At least 3 years of work experience working in biological laboratory.
• Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Ability to translate diagnosis results and technical information
• Excellent communication skills (written/verbal)
• Proficient in basic computer programs (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, Power Point, etc.)
• Motivation and drive for continuous crop quality improvement and efficiency
• Outstanding team player
• Extremely detailed oriented
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks
• Ability to follow protocols and complete tasks without supervision
• Ability to identify problems and propose solutions

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.
• Generous Vacation Policy in addition to paid holidays.
• Maternity/Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs and Corporate Discounts among other benefits.
• Salary $66,400 - 83,000 plus bonus
• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members.

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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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