Data Scientist Contract Jobs in Butler, PA (NOW HIRING)

At Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, we’re passionate about helping people in the vegetable industry succeed and putting growers at the heart of all that we do. Our energies are focused on creating solutions that help them get more out of their crops, now and in the future. A commitment in every seed. We do this by protecting seed, bulbs, or small plant quality from the start to enable growers to achieve the highest yield potentials in their operations; continually investing in R&D to bring cutting-edge innovations to the market; and striving to make a real-world difference through more sustainable practices on farms, in shipping, and at the grocery store. 

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 Germplasm Development Team is seeking a Product Placement Scientist in Philadelphia, PA. This role will play a vital role in bringing innovative vegetable varieties to growers and communities.

The Product Placement Scientist will lead high‑quality research trials, generate insights that inform advancement decisions, and collaborate broadly across breeding, marketing, and commercial teams. This is a hands‑on scientific role for someone who thrives in the field, values rigorous data, and enjoys working with a wide range of partners.

Geography: the ideal candidate will be in the Philadelphia, PA, greater region. The territory for this role is currently from Virginia through New York.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the planning, design, execution, and analysis of on‑station and off‑station trials across assigned vegetable crops.
• Ensure high‑quality trial data—collected by you and through others—to guide data-driven product advancement and PLC5→PLC6 promotion.
• Partner with breeders, marketers, and commercial teams to translate trial results into meaningful recommendations for growers and markets.
• Select and optimize trial locations that reflect customer needs, environmental conditions, and best trialing practices.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with growers, seed dealers, and processors to secure strategic trial locations and represent Syngenta with integrity.
• Manage trial contracts and ensure accurate data entry, analysis, and visualization in relevant systems.
• Present trial results, product candidates, and regional insights during Product Advancement Tours and product meetings.
• Provide market and customer insights that support strategic decision-making across R&D and commercial teams.
• Champion safety, stewardship, biosafety, and compliance in all research activities.

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).

• Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Horticulture, Plant Genetics, or related field, with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven expertise in plant variety trialing, field trial design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of phenotype and environmental data.
• Strong practical knowledge of plant breeding, seed industry practices, and agronomy/horticulture across vegetable crops.
• Experience collaborating directly with growers and stakeholders, with solid understanding of market needs and crop specifications.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills, with the ability to distill complex data into clear recommendations.
• Demonstrated leadership through influence, strong collaboration skills, and ability to work effectively with broad cross‑functional teams.
• Proactive, results‑oriented mindset with strong prioritization skills and creativity in solving challenges.
• Fluent in English and local language, with strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Willingness to travel 40–50% during peak seasons, work flexibly with weather‑dependent schedules, and ensure full compliance with safety, quality, and stewardship standards.
• Valid driver's license with clear driving record.

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: 4A
Salary for the role is $104,800 - $157,200 per year.

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