Team Lead of Monocot Crops

Company DescriptionAt Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities. We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture. Job DescriptionThis role contributes to the development and execution of short-, mid-, and long-term functional strategies while providing scientific, technical, and product expertise to support team goals and key focus areas, particularly within monocot crops such as maize. The individual is responsible for initiating, evaluating, and implementing improvements to established processes and protocols to drive operational excellence and innovation. In addition, the role includes supervisory responsibilities, providing leadership to the team, effectively managing projects and stakeholder relationships, and influencing cross-functional teams both internally and externally. The position also ensures compliance with Syngenta's Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards, biosafety requirements, regulatory obligations, and budgetary controls to support safe, compliant, and efficient business operations.Accountabilities: Lead the timely delivery of GM/GE trait pipelines, project goals and milestones in the controlled growth environments (greenhouses and growth chambers)Lead team activities to plan, coordinate and execute multi-disciplinary early-stage projects with major field crops such as maize and soybeanLead year-round maize stock production for immature high-quality embryos to support transformationOperate and continuously upgrade state-of-the-art plant growth facility to meet evolving business needsConstantly improve existing pipeline processes and proceduresHave the foresight to propose and lead innovation projects and think outside the boxEffective communications and engagement with key stakeholders across a wide range of Traits R&D organization within and outside the companyProvide high quality practical advice and judgments to others by applying broad knowledge and prior experienceSyngenta HSE, biosafety and regulatory complianceOccasionally work over the weekends and holidays when neededQualificationsA Ph.D. degree with a minimum of 10 years relevant experience in crop sciences; or a M.Sc. degree with a minimum of 15 years relevant experience in crop sciences; or a B.Sc. degree with a minimum of 20 years relevant experience in crop sciences Substantial experience in crop improvement, trait development, and seed productionAble to plan and implement activities over a number of monthsKnowledge in agronomy, genetics, plant breeding, plant physiology, molecular biology, and statisticsWorking knowledge of greenhouse facility, equipment and operationsDesired Qualifications: Experience working with GM/GE regulated materialsIn-depth experience in responding to non-routine situations and to choose the best solution from a range of optionsProficiency in use of standard Microsoft office software and databasesExperience in leading and influencing staff, ability to deal with and influence cross functional teamsExperience in supervising and coaching junior scientistsComputer skills such as working with databases, environmental controls, and Microsoft OfficeFamiliar with the environmental control and automation system such as ArgusAdditional InformationWhat We Offer: 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. Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: 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. WL 4A#LI-ONSITESummaryType: Full-timeFunction: Research