Date of posting here July 23, 2010 Type of position Permanent Employer Syngenta Description of Employer As global demand for food and fuel continues to rise, we are dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 24,000 employees in over 90 countries. We work in a collaborative and inspiring culture where personal contribution is rewarded and growth and development are at the heart of our culture. Through our world-class science, global reach and commitment to working with our customers, we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. There’s never been a more important time to join Syngenta. Location Woodland, CA Salary DOE Benefits Syngenta offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including market-based pay, health/dental insurance, a generous 401(k) program, paid time off, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance. Closing date of competition 09.30.2010 Date position available 07.23.2010 Description of duties Role Purpose - The purpose of the Breeding Project Lead is plan, manage and support the delivery of projects aimed at improving the performance of Syngenta’s germplasm and seed product. Effective management and delivery of these projects results in the development of competitive inbreds and/or varieties that give rise to superior performing hybrids/varieties at the seed production and customer levels (as defined in the product concept of the project). Accountabilities - Financial scope: Budget ~ $1 M Direct people responsibility: 5-6 direct reports in California. Working in a team environment, manage and deliver breeding projects in service of identified product targets: Manage breeding pipeline from product concept through genetic entity development by leading a portion or all of the following activities: Plan breeding crosses and associated testing (including tester(s) for hybrid crops) for populations. Plan and allocate allotted nursery, crossing and replicated trial resources in mainland and contra season location(s). Determine number of breeding starts, extensiveness of sampling and number of reps and environments of testing. Make selections and advancement decisions through to product handoff to Trialing team. Measure and monitor key performance factors relative to pipeline performance and program efficiency. Leverage performance metrics and benchmarking to work towards maximum efficiency of germplasm improvement (genetic gain and cost). Ensure appropriate technology integration in germplasm improvement projects and product development processes. Plan, evaluate and implement where appropriate marker-assisted breeding (MAB), DH and other breeding tools. Plan and ensure that appropriate trialing, phenotyping and analysis methods are used to enable program success. Participate in global sharing of information on breeding protocol improvement. Coordinates implementation of Quality Management for wheat breeding NAFTA processes. Suggest and follow KPIs requirements. Secures process and documentation coherence across sites. Drives full communication to the sites about standard quality processes. Together with Product Evaluation Team, agree on variety promotions into the crop planning process: Maintain a thorough understanding of available germplasm, performance and needs of similar maturities with Syngenta’s global program. Participate in all appropriate plot tours and advancement meetings. Coordinate exchange of germplasm within Syngenta’s global cereals program. Assist Product Evaluation Team with decisions on conversions and product advancement, placement and support of all brands / market channels. Work with Trialing Teams to provide feedback that allows continuous improvement in plot quality and testing efficiency. Qualifications sought Critical knowledge: Extensive knowledge of cereal breeding methodologies and a general knowledge of plant breeding techniques in other crops. Knowledge of applied agronomic practices in NAFTA cereals. Understanding of molecular genetics and demonstrated skills in the use of molecular markers Critical experience: 5 years experience within a plant breeding team. PhD degree in plant breeding, genetics or closely related field. Demonstrated project leadership / project management experience (including resource and timeline management) Proven success in plant breeding and management Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities: Excellent organization, communication and computer skills. Excellent interpersonal skills, especially those required to successfully lead cross-functional, cross-cultural, multi-location teams. Capacity to innovate in a product focused research environment. Strong negotiating skills, commercial and business awareness English Language Able and willing to travel extensively Able and willing to deal with cultural differences Demonstrated leadership skills. Service oriented Critical success factors: Motivates and coordinates a geographically dispersed team Respects the financial limits Excellent internal and external relationships Additional Information - Significant travel required, especially during note taking and selection seasons. All applicants must be eligible to work in the US. Contact for additional information Lori Miller Application procedure   Submit what resume and online application Submit to lori.miller@yoh.com Additional Information EOE Qualified candidates should apply today! Please submit your application online at http://www.syngentacareers.com. EOE