R&D Group Leader SPS

Company Description

As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter these threats and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all – while minimizing the use of land and other agricultural inputs. 

Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting. From the moment a seed is planted through to harvest, crops need to be protected from weeds, insects and diseases as well as droughts and floods, heat and cold.  

Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Switzerland.  

Job Description

Through leading innovations, we help farmers around the world meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, Syngenta’s Vero Beach Research Center is currently seeking a Professional Solutions R&D Group Leader in Vero Beach, FL.

This position will lead strategic research initiatives in turf science, ornamental horticulture, and urban pest management at the Vero Beach Research Center (VBRC). The R&D Group Leader will drive scientific excellence and innovation while developing a high-performing team aligned with the Professional Solutions R&D objectives. This position will also design, initiate, and conduct research projects including lab, greenhouse and field studies, completing assigned research projects as a critical part of promoting new active ingredients and technologies for development and commercial products.

Accountabilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop VBRC team members through effective coaching and strategic work allocation.
• Drive operational excellence through efficient resource management and budget optimization.
• Foster a collaborative research environment that promotes innovation and scientific rigor.
• Be part of a collaborative research team developing and implementing research trials.
• Support VBRC initiatives and the Professional Solutions strategies. 
• Conduct and coordinate quality efficacy trials, contributing to the biological profiling and label development of new and registered product concepts.
• Summarize trial data and provide development recommendations, identify development opportunities for product label expansion, new uses and new solutions, and marketing needs.
• Conduct problem solving projects to address market issues. Demonstrate awareness and understanding of grower/customer needs and perspectives.
• Provide technical support and training; coordinate demonstration trials for internal and customer training/education.
• Oversee key SPS VBRC operational excellence including maintenance of insectary, greenhouses and turf plots.

Qualifications

Required:

• A minimum of Master or PhD degree is required, preferably in an agriculture related science (Weed Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology, or Nematology).
• Up to 20% travel is required for this role.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship support from Syngenta.

Preferred:

• Expertise in Urban Entomology with extensive development experience in field, greenhouse and lab settings in the professional solutions market.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in leading diverse groups in an agricultural research setting
• In depth knowledge of the products, crops, markets, and methods of research associated with the professional solutions market. 
• Broad knowledge of technologies, modes of action, and resistance management. 
• Excellent communication, presentation, and networking skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across scientific and business communities.

Additional Information

What We Offer: 

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, 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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

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. 

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