Division	Seeds
City	Slater
State	Iowa [IA]
Function	Marketing
Position Title	Research Associate (RA) I, II
Job ID	1469
Role Purpose/Accountabilities	The purpose of the Research Associate is to support Product Management with Mini Strip Field Evaluation Trials (FETs) in their efforts to increase genetic gain through experimental hybrid evaluation. In addition the RA will support local corn product development scientists in their efforts to create superior products, and to support the Station Manager’s targeted goals for precision, accuracy and efficiency in site operations. Accountabilities • Functioning as an integral member of a team responsible for planting, notes, and harvesting Mini Strip FETs within a divisional/geographic region. • Performing tasks related to packaging, cultivating and stand counting yield trials and breeding nurseries. • Supporting efforts to maintain integrity of seed inventory, packaging, field layout, pollinating, shelling and maintaining accuracy in data collection. • Performing all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety related company policies and practices, including completing all required Company training courses and attending local safety meetings. • Effectively communicating regularly with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: These responsibilities are a guideline that include but are not limited to this position. • Operation and adjustment of specialized plot planting and harvesting equipment • Perform regularly scheduled equipment maintenance on plot planting and harvesting equipment • Transport plot planting and harvesting equipment to/from trial sites utilizing assigned vehicle and gooseneck trailer • As needed, apply rescue spray treatments on Mini Strip experimental plots • Assist in maintaining accuracy of data from plot planting and harvesting • Assist with hand harvesting nursery material for an assigned Research Station • Assist with seed shelling, cleaning and treating • Nursery Crew Supervisor - Training of pollination crews - Ensure quality and efficiency • Arrange yield trial and nursery seed in planting order • Lead crews at an assigned Research Station in taking notes; such as plant and ear height, root lodging and stalk lodging • Cultivate yield trial fields if required • Identify, correct or notify superiors of any potential errors or problems • Provide support to the Technical Product Specialist and Station Manager with various other tasks
Knowledge, Skills & Experience	Critical knowledge • A four-year degree in an agricultural related discipline and/or relevant experience. • Knowledge of farming equipment, its operation and adjustment. • Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that affect trial data precision and accuracy. • A valid drivers’ license and the ability to obtain a class A CDL is critical. • Ability to obtain a Pesticide Applicator’s License to administer Restricted Use Pesticides • A basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding is desirable. • Knowledge of current agronomic practices used in corn production Critical experience • Experience in the operation, adjustment, maintenance of, and ability to do minor repairs on various plot equipment, including planter, tractor, cultivator, sprayer, combine, truck and trailer is desirable. Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities • Ability to use MS Office, especially Word and Excel, and other standard office software. • Ability to use, and/or quickly learn to use, proprietary information systems (SPIRIT) for writing field trials, field mapping, inventory management, printing labels, data collection, preliminary analysis of data, and other associated functions as needed. • Excellent organizational skills. • Ability to work in a team and to communicate with individuals throughout the organization. • Ability and motivation to learn new technologies. • Ability to use professional concepts and company policies and procedures to solve a wide range of difficult problems in imaginative and practical ways. Other Behaviors Critical for the role: • Excellent communicator and team player • Ability to contribute to complex and diverse technical teams employing multiple research strategies. • Able to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. • Commitment to success • Strong commitment to regulatory compliance and Syngenta stewardship policies. Critical leadership capabilities • Set direction • Communicates inspirationally • Liberate potential • Develops self and others
Additional Information	• A minimum of 2 years in current position is required (requirement for internal applicants only) • All applicants must be eligible to work in the US. • Must be willing to locate near an assigned Syngenta Research Station. Working Conditions / Physical Demands Physical Demands of the Essential Functions: • Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field or greenhouse. Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds. Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season. Working Conditions While Performing Essential Functions: • Field, greenhouse, laboratory, office. Domestic travel required with regular overnight stays during planting/harvesting season. • Travel outside continental U.S. will be required. Stays at off-season nursery locations will extend to 2-3 weeks. Work may be performed under environmental conditions of extreme high or low temperatures and moisture. Potential allergenspollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.

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