Corn Breeding Lead, AME - (1802434)

Role Purpose

• The purpose of the Breeding Project Lead is to plan, manage and support the delivery of projects aimed at improving the performance of Syngenta’s germplasm.
• Effective management and delivery of these projects results in the development of competitive hybrids that give rise to superior performing products at the customer level.

Accountability

Working in a team environment, manage and deliver breeding projects in service of identified product targets:

• Provide leadership to a corn breeding project team.
• Manage project budget, team charter, and team meetings.
• Responsible for the Stage 0 to 4 work stream within the project.

Manage breeding pipeline from product concept through genetic entity development by leading a portion or all of the following activities:

• Plan breeding crosses and associated testing for populations.
• Plan and allocate allotted nursery, crossing and replicated trial resources in mainland and contra season location(s).
• Determine number of breeding starts, extensiveness of sampling and number of reps and environment of testing.
• Make selections and advancement decisions through to product handoff to Product Evaluation scientists (PEA).
• Work with PEA(s) to successfully test and advance lines to Stage 5, 6, and 7.
• Measure and monitor key performance factors relative to pipeline performance and program efficiency.
• Leverage performance metrics and benchmarking to work towards maximum efficiency of germplasm improvement (genetic gain and cost).
• Ensure appropriate technology integration in germplasm improvement projects and product development processes.
• Working with a Genetic Project Lead (GPL), plan, evaluate and implement, where appropriate, marker-assisted breeding (MAB).
• Plan and ensure that appropriate trialing, phenotyping and analysis methods are used to enable program success.
• Participate in global sharing of information on breeding protocol improvement.

Together with Product Evaluation scientists, agree on line promotions for post-BPL trialing:

• Maintain a thorough understanding of available germplasm, performance and needs of similar Germplasm pools within Syngenta’s programs.
• Participate in all appropriate plot tours and advancement meetings.
• Attend international plot tours and advancement meetings as appropriate.
• Coordinate exchange of germplasm within Syngenta’s programs.
• Assist PEA and Product Managers with decisions on product advancement, placement and support of all brands / market channels.
• Work with Nursery Services Manager to provide feedback that allows continuous improvement in plot quality and testing efficiency.
• Partner in development and implementation of Native Trait & Molecular Breeding efforts
• Participate as a core team member on Native Trait project(s). Collaborate in the design and implementation of projects in the Native Trait and genetic information creation.
• Engage in the development and implementation of breeding approaches that optimize R&D productivity through effective development and use of enhanced breeding approaches such as Molecular Breeding, etc.

Qualifications

Critical Knowledge:

• A thorough knowledge of breeding theory (genetics, statistics, genetic gain theory and field plot technique).
• A thorough knowledge of relevant germplasm.
• Good knowledge of marker applications to breeding.

Critical Skills:

• Excellent organization, communication and computer skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, especially those required to successfully function as part of a cross-functional team.
• Ability to show leadership and influence in a project-team setting.
• Proficiency in English.

Critical Experience:

• PhD or Master Degree in plant breeding.
• Additional Information:
• Ability and willingness for extensive travel, both regionally and globally.
• Operate in a team setting.
• Successfully function both as a team leader and a team member.

How to Apply

Submit your CV and application on company website: