Scientist, Pathology- career opportunity in USA

Job Title:  Scientist, Pathology (Slater IA, or Stanton, MN)
Location:   Stanton, Minnesota [MN]
Deadline:   6th Sept 2013
Job – #3257100A0 ~ Syngenta ~ Stanton,Minnesota USA
Division: Biological Assessment
Function: Product Evaluation
Job ID: 4188

Role Purpose/Accountabilities:
Role purpose:

- The purpose of the Scientist is to lead and implement robust and efficient corn, soy, and other crop disease phenotyping programs. In this role the Pathologist will support Corn, Soybean, and other crops’ Breeding, Native Traits, and GMO projects through provision of timely and high quality pathology leadership, phenotyping results, and Pathology expertise on Project Teams.

Accountabilities:
- Lead Pathology phenotyping efforts for Corn and Soybean diseases
- Serve as the primary technical lead on project teams and functional teams to bring expertise and input to these teams, and to enable the generation of high quality information, data, and results necessary to advance business critical pathology (and other pest) projects.
- Work with project leads and team members to develop, maintain, and communicate detailed project plans and timelines for disease related phenotyping activities of projects.
- Develop and execute efficient efficacy studies in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory and analyze data and prepare summaries and reports.
- Source and manage third-party testing including locating and contracting trial sites and cooperators.
- Effectively lead and supervise Research Associate, Associate Scientists, and other technical personnel. Train staff and provide general guidance and supervision, as necessary.
- Manage all activities in accordance with all Syngenta HSE, GM, and QMS policies and Federal (USDA and EPA) and State regulations.


Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

Critical knowledge: :

- PhD in Plant Pathology / Nematology with 2+ years’ experience or MS with 5+ years of applied pathology experience.
- Knowledge of basic Pathology techniques including, but not limited to: pathogen propagation, inoculation, and crop plant resistance screening techniques.
- Knowledge of plant pathology, experimental design, and statistics.
- Extensive work under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions.
- Knowledge of genetics, plant breeding, statistics, agronomy, and crop production methods is preferred.

Critical experience:

- Extensive experience working with plant pathogens and crop plants (preferably corn and soybean) is essential.
- Demonstrated success in technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaboration with others and independent thinking.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and lead staff.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities:

- Excellent communication skills and proven ability to interact across diverse scientific, professional and cultural backgrounds.
- Excellent organizational and planning skills. Ability to construct and adhere to project and functional plans.
- Ability to function effectively independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to establish priorities and oversee multiple phenotyping research activities simultaneously at peak work periods.
- Excellent experimental design, planning, executing and analysis skills.
- Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point. Knowledge and experience using MS Project and SAS JMP software (or closely related experience) is required.
- Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Strong commitment to success as a team and individually.
- Strong capability in networking, internally and externally.
- Strong commitment to Regulatory Compliance and Syngenta Stewardship policies.

Critical Success Factors & Key Challenges:
- Ability to plan and execute all parameters of an effective pathology phenotyping program, and to innovate in efforts to continuously improve efficiency and throughput.
- Ability to deliver upon project milestones related to pathology phenotyping and results / reporting provision.
- Ability to develop comprehensive research proposals and resource plans to meet project objectives, and to communicate these with Project Leads, manager, and other key stakeholders.
- Ability to search for and develop effective working relationships with 3rd party technology providers on collaborative projects.
- Ability to effectively lead project teams, participate on teams, lead work streams, and to communicate effectively with a wide array of people within and outside Syngenta to meet Project and Program objectives.
- Ability to plan and execute large scale mass production of key crop plant pathogens (esp. corn and soybean)
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Ability to effectively use MS Office software, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and statistical analyses software such as JMP (SAS)
- Ability to effectively use and support proprietary IS systems (such as SPIRIT).
- Ability to effectively recruit, train, and manage other employees (full time and seasonal).
- Ability and motivation to search for, develop, test, recommend, and implement improved methods and new technologies.
- Ability to ensure all operating and compliance procedures are followed to a high standard.


Additional Information:

- PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Varies from greenhouse and field work to typical office and meeting environments. Travel to remote locations required. Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse. Capable of standing and sitting for long periods of time. Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds. Capable of working longer hours during time-critical periods of phenotyping season and during travel.

- WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Field, greenhouse, laboratory, and office. Domestic travel required with regular overnight stays. Travel outside continental U.S. will be required. Potential allergens such as dust, pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.

- All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

- Travel = 10-15%. Travel outside of the U.S. may be required.

Openings available at various locations:
- Slater , IA

- Candidate must be capable of relocating within US; position will likely relocate within 2-3 years.

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