R&D Specialist

At Syngenta Crop Protection, we're pioneering solutions that safeguard global food security while championing sustainable agriculture. As a world market leader headquartered in Switzerland, we empower farmers with innovative crop protection technologies that defend against nature's toughest challenges. We unite advanced science with digital solutions to develop intelligent crop protection that maximizes yields while minimizing environmental impact. Join our mission of revolutionizing plant protection fromseedto harvest.

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta’s Product Biology Team is seeking an R&D Specialist in Vero Beach, Florida. This role will own the fungal inoculum production process from start to finish. You’ll manage diverse testing capabilities—spanning the lab to the field—with a dedicated focus on soil-borne plant pathogenic fungi.

If you are driven by precision and scientific excellence, we want to hear from you.

Accountabilities:

• Drive the VBRC fungal inoculum production platform, overseeing the entire lifecycle from mass production and quality control to logistics.
• Proactively optimize laboratory methods for bulk production and manage the strain inventory to ensure peak efficiency.
• Conduct high-impact biological efficacy assays focused on soil-borne diseases across laboratory, greenhouse, and semi-field settings.
• Execute comprehensive plant health assessments, including seed germination testing and detailed performance evaluations.
• Provide expert technical support to the Seedcare bioteam, serving as the go-to resource for fungal inoculum and soil-borne disease inquiries.
• Champion continuous improvement by participating in task forces and utilizing OPEX/CI tools to solve operational challenges.
• Lead the development of others by managing the formal orientation and training for general assistants and technicians.

• B.S. or M.S. degree in mycology, biological science, or agriculture with experience in microbiology lab methods.
• AA/AS degree plus 5 years’ experience.
• Experience in microbiology-related field and biological in trial design, setup, and data capture are preferred.
• Standardizing and summarizing biological data.
• Experience with mycology-related discipline, or direct experience with soil-borne plant pathogens.
• Good planning, organizing, and problem-solving skills.
• Good oral, written, communication, and digital skills.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply new skills.

Salary for the role is $64,000 - $85,000 per year.

What 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 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.