Germplasm Development Scientist- Subtropical Corn

Syngenta Group

At the Syngenta Group, our 56,000 people across more than 90 countries strive every day to transform agriculture through tailor-made solutions for the benefit of farmers, society and our planet – making us the world's most local agricultural technology and innovation partner.

Website address - https://www.syngentagroup.com/

LI page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/syngentagroup/posts/?feedView=all

Syngenta

We are a leading, science-based agriculture company, empowering farmers to meet the demands of modern agriculture. Using cutting-edge innovation, we help farmers to grow resilient, healthy crops that can feed a growing global population, while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Headquartered in Switzerland, we are a global agritech leader with more than 30,000 employees across over 90 countries.

https://www.syngenta.com/company

Role purpose

• • To be part of Sub-Tropical segment breeding program to enhance Syngenta's germplasm and seed product performance
  • Manage breeding projects for developing competitive inbreds and profitable hybrids
  • Leverage Syngenta's global R&D capabilities and technologies
  • Transform business strategy into breeding priorities
  • Foster cross-functional synergies for successful commercialization

Accountabilities

Breeding Program Leadership

• • Spearhead Sub-Tropical corn breeding program in India
  • Collaborating with multiple teams (Global and regional germplasm development teams, Applied team, Breeding operations team, Portfolio planning team) for product development

Technical Responsibilities

1. Project Management

• Design and implement breeding projects
• Champion modern breeding methods
• Plan crosses and testing protocols
• Manage pipeline advancement decisions

2. Communication & Reporting

• Update development of lines and hybrid status
• Maintain pipeline and advancement statistics
• Monitor KPIs and program efficiency

3. Technology Integration

• Implement Genomics-assisted breeding (GAB)
• Utilize DH and modern breeding tools
• Participate in global protocol improvements
• Coordinate with regional seed operations

Business accountabilities

1. Pipeline & Product Development

• • Drive genetic gain to deliver superior commercial products meeting market demands
  • Manage breeding pipelines from concept to commercial release
  • Ensure product development aligns with Target Product Profile (TPP) and market requirements
  • Meet annual advancement targets for new hybrids/varieties
  • Optimize breeding cycle time and resource utilization
  • Maintain competitive advantage through innovative breeding strategies

2. Resource & Investment Management

• • Manage annual breeding program budget effectively
  • Optimize resource allocation across projects
  • Drive cost-efficient breeding operations
  • Make data-driven decisions on project investments

3. Business Impact & Value Creation

• • Contribute to market share growth through superior genetics
  • Develop products that command premium pricing
  • Support commercial teams with technical product knowledge
  • Protect intellectual property through proper documentation
  • Build long-term germplasm value for sustainable business growth

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

• • Ph.D. or Masters in Plant Breeding and Genetics /or equivalent experience
  • Minimum 8 years of successful breeding experience
  • Proven commercial breeding success

Critical knowledge

• • Advanced plant breeding and corn germplasm expertise (specific to Sub-Tropical and Temperate market segments)
  • Strong GWS and marker applications knowledge
  • Statistical and field plot techniques
  • Cross-cultural business operations

Critical experience

• • R&D team leadership
  • Complex project management
  • Matrix environment operations
  • Cross-functional collaboration

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• • Leadership and innovation capabilities
  • Strategic thinking and decision-making
  • Excellent organizational abilities
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Advanced computer proficiency
  • R&D process understanding

Critical leadership capabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Goal setting
• Impactful communication
• Change management

Operational Excellence

• Innovation culture development
• Customer focus
• Performance management
• People development

Collaborative Leadership

• Cross-boundary collaboration
• Team building
• Organizational development

Critical success factors (KPIs)

• • Advancement of commercially viable hybrids
  • Implementation of cutting-edge breeding methodologies and make data driven decisions
  • Delivery of high quality breeding lines

Key challenges

• • Technical Challenges – Developing market segment germplasm and adapting to rapid technological changes
  • Operational Challenges – Seasonal time pressure and Data management
  • Market Challenges - Time to market demands and Changing farmer preferences

Additional information

Travel Requirements

• • Field visits to research stations
  • Multi-location trial inspections
  • Internal team meetings and collaborations
  • Stakeholder meetings
  • Research station audits

Mobility

• Extended periods in field conditions
• Walking through corn crop fields
• Ability to work in various weather conditions

Professional Development

• Continuous learning opportunities
• Scientific publication support
• Conference participation
• Skill development programs
• Leadership training