Research Technician Lead

About Syngenta

At Syngenta Vegetables and Flowers, we're cultivating tomorrow's variety through innovative breeding that brings vibrant colors to gardens and nutritious vegetables to tables worldwide. We combine centuries of seed heritage with cutting-edge innovation to develop resilient, high-performing varieties that thrive in diverse climates. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable horticulture, where every seed holds the potential to enhance lives through better nutrition and natural beauty.

Syngenta Flowers North America is one of the largest wholesale breeders of hybrid flower seed and cuttings in the world – developing and producing flower seeds and cuttings for growers internationally. We are dedicated to breeding innovative flower varieties that offer outstanding performance in the professional greenhouse, at retail, in the landscape and in the home garden. To support this mission, Syngenta's Flower R&D team is seeking a Research Technician Lead in Gilroy, CA.

The Research Technician Lead will serve as the operational lead for breeding and trial activities, implementing projects and protocols defined by the Supervisor. Act as the primary point of contact for day-to-day greenhouse operations, ensuring the technician team executes tasks efficiently and to specification while leading hands-on implementation of special projects and process improvements.

Accountabilities:

• Lead daily execution of breeding activities including pollinations, seed harvesting, sowing, transplanting, and trial setup; organize and prioritize tasks based on trial schedules, program needs, and resource availability.
• Implement work schedules for Technicians to meet trial timelines and quality standards; provide technical guidance, monitor task completion, and communicate progress, challenges, or delays to the Research Supervisor.
• Coordinate pollination activities across multiple breeding programs; organize seed harvesting, processing, and storage while ensuring accurate data collection and documentation for future crop planning.
• Verify trials are set up correctly with proper labeling, arrangement, and documentation; proactively scout and monitor crops for pests, diseases, and viruses, reporting issues to the Supervisor for action.
• Ensure consistent implementation of all HSES protocols, phytosanitary requirements, trial specifications, and SOPs; utilize information systems (e.g., Kikker) to document activities and maintain accurate records.
• Identify and recommend opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and safety in breeding operations; support implementation of process improvements and adapt to changing priorities as needed.

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring current or future sponsorship (which also includes OPT/CPT and H-1B visas).

• High school diploma or equivalent required, B.S. degree preferred.
• Knowledge of greenhouse operations, live-good production, or horticulture preferred.
• At least 3 years of relevant growing, breeding, trialing, or agriculture work experience.
• Experience successfully supervising a team with a team player and collaborative mindset.
• Experience in horticulture practices in greenhouse and field environments.
• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish (written and verbal).
• Proficient in basic computer programs (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, PowerPoint).
• Highly organized, structured, and detail-oriented.
• Motivation and drive for continuous crop quality improvement and operational efficiency.

Salary for this position ranges between $48,800 - $61,000 annually.

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 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: 2B

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