Assistant Insect Jobs in Saint Charles, IL (NOW HIRING)

Company Description

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities.  We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance.  Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture. 

Job Description

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 Genotyping Team is seeking a Scientist II in Malta, IL. This role will be in charge of executing protocols related to genotyping in a state-of-the-art lab. The protocols comprise tissue reception, DNA extraction, library preparation, PCR, and sequencing. Support of documentation development and maintenance, stock management, and activities associated with procurement will also be part of his/her responsibilities.

The role also participates in basic tasks for maintenance of lab equipment and will be part of the lab process improvement review. The assistant will interact with peers across different regions where other genotyping labs are located.

Accountabilities:

• Extract DNA from samples (leaves and/or seeds).
• Prepare DNA libraries for sequencing.
• Add chemical buffers to sample plates and operate sample grinders and liquid handling machines.
• Complete scheduled daily extractions and/or library preparations within required time limits, keeping all test plates organized to maintain sample identity.
• Update tasks electronically via LIMS.
• Learn the background of experiments and plant breeding projects. Participate in meetings and share relevant information with others.
• Train and support lab contractors during peak seasons.
• Communicate and implement process improvement ideas.
• Work in a fast-paced lab environment with accountability for quality and speed of lab work completed each day.
• Function as a member of a varied project team and successfully collaborate across teams to analyze and troubleshoot data quality issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Biology, Genetics, or a related field required.
• Solid understanding of basic laboratory procedures and equipment.
• Must be authorized to work for Syngenta in the United States without work authorization sponsorship.
• 2–4 years of experience working in a professional laboratory preferred.
• Experience operating and providing general maintenance on laboratory equipment, such as Tecan, Biotek Multiflos, centrifuges, and sample grinders, is highly preferred.
• Experience working with chemical buffers is highly preferred.
• Previous DNA extraction or PCR experience is highly preferred.

Additional Information

Salary for this position ranges between $64,000 - $96,000 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: 3B

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