Genotyping Lab Operations Lead

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs.

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.

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 Research Team is seeking a Genotyping Lab Operations Lead in Malta, IL.

The Genotyping function is responsible for analyzing large volumes of plant samples to generate DNA marker data to enable efficient decision-making in key pipelines of research and development and P&S in Syngenta Seeds. The Genotyping Laboratory Operations Lead oversees the activities of the Genotyping laboratory to ensure proper quality of results reflected in KPIs, efficient use of resources, high performance and motivation of team members, and a stable and productive relationship between the lab and its stakeholders.

Accountabilities:

• Oversee the Genotyping Lab operations to ensure data are being produced accurately and in a timely manner, work on keeping repeat and drop data within expectations. Ensure that lab-related records are being updated including LIMS and scheduling tools, as well as instrument logs. Report lab KPIs, accomplishments, challenges, risks, and ongoing process improvements.
• Lead the genotyping laboratory operations efficiently and effectively by driving process standardization, implementing best practices, optimal use of available resources across teams, and collaboration with other genotyping lab leads and adjacent functions.
• Budget management and control. Engage with Genotyping Lab Operations Head and functional planning representatives to develop and implement annual budgets. Review monthly expense reports for inconsistencies. Update budgets quarterly. Annually track cost per sample and data point based on current process and cost of consumables to carry out processes.
• Ensure corporate, site, and functional HSE goals, regulatory compliance, and stewardship. Assure timely and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders. Perform all activities in accordance with the Syngenta Health, Safety, Environmental Policy and Quality Management/Stewardship guidelines.
• Develop and maintain an environment for learning, development, and growth.
• Coordinate with other Genotyping laboratories and adjacent functions to enable technical knowledge sharing, alignment of protocols, methodologies, and collaboration on technology development initiatives.
• Support the development and implementation of genotyping platform improvements and genotyping technology evolution strategy.
• Work with the site facility management (or equivalent functions) to deliver a well-maintained, well-controlled, and productive high-throughput laboratory.
• Foster and cultivate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a guiding principle in all aspects of work.

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Plant Science, Biological Science, or related field, and 7 years professional experience in the area of Biotechnology required.
• Ph.D. degree or M.S. degree preferred.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex results-oriented teams requiring creativity, innovative thinking, organization, and collaborative skills.
• People management experience; performance management, people development, and administration of individual development plans within an organization framework.
• Extensive knowledge in genotyping technical platforms such as high-throughput PCR platform, Real-Time PCR, Stewardship Quality Control for GM detection, and sequencing-based genotyping platform.
• Extensive knowledge in new protocol and method development used in genotyping operations such as DNA extraction and PCR reaction.
• Experience in high-throughput lab equipment, automation and robotic solutions, and IT systems.
• Overall understanding of crop breeding and molecular marker implementation.

Salary for the role is between $102,900 - $147,000 per year.

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.

WL: 5B

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