Research Associate 3
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Job Location:
Salinas, CA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
22-10-2025
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
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 Syngentas R&D team is seeking a Research Associate 3 in Salinas Puerto Rico. This role will support continuous nursery operations for corn and soybean by coordinating and supervising the scouting process for pests and diseases laboratory bioassays field traps (bug scan roll pheromones etc.) record keeping and reporting and machine sprayer tasks including but not limited to equipment calibration nozzle selection work orders and insecticide/fungicide sprayings always in compliance with company local and federal regulations.
In the Scouting & Sprayers Research Associate 3 role you will spend a large amount of your time in the field to identify and take action on any potential problems with diseases and pests that may jeopardize the viability of the crops.
You will supervise and train seasonal employees in the scouting and sprayers area.
Accountabilities:
- Coordinate and supervise all scouting bioassays and insecticide/fungicide machine spraying activities.
- Ensure success of scouting bioassays and insecticide/fungicide sprayings through effective use of techniques and tools.
- Ensure compliance with all EPA USDA and local regulations as well as all site HSE and quality protocols.
- Take action according to priorities based on scouting crop stage and pest threshold.
- Monitor the quality quantity and efficiency of the temporary employees performance under your supervision.
- Ensure the use of adequate nozzle and drop combinations for each application to ensure the best results.
- Collaborate with the agronomy team in other tasks or cross-training activities such as but not limited to IPM land preparation planting and irrigation when necessary.
- Be able to assist in crops and site activities according to company needs.
- Demonstrate innovation by staying aware of emerging trends and recommending new processes training opportunities or techniques that will increase plant health efficiencies or improve skills.
Qualifications :
Required:
- B.S. in Agriculture crop science biology or related field.
- M.S. in entomology crop production phytopathology or related field (preferred).
- Excellent understanding of all relevant agronomic/cultural practices in a tropical environment (scouting and IPM).
- Knowledge of seed crop research production and quality assurance practices.
- Knowledge and experience in corn and soybean seed production.
- Knowledge of and ability to use computer software for data management e.g. Microsoft Word Excel GIS mapping software and other relevant software required to operate efficiently.
- Proficient in English: written and spoken.
Desired:
- 5 years of experience in agronomy roles leading teams preferably with seed production operations experience and scouting pest/diseases and IPM roles.
- Ability to lead and influence key stakeholders through challenges and opportunities; ability to facilitate solutions.
- Analytical skills; ability to demonstrate critical thinking across complex situations.
- High quality and effectiveness in communication and collaboration with all stakeholders.
- Excellent skills for interpreting research data.
- Basic understanding of a broad range of core competencies including plant nutrition soils growth and yield specifically in R&D.
- Excellent computer skills including a working knowledge of MS Office applications.
- Fluent in Spanish and English.
Additional Information :
- Travel availability (national and international).
- Drivers license.
- Flexible schedule to work over extended hours weekends and holidays.
- All applicants must be eligible to work in the US.
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: 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
#LI-ONSITE
Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Full-time
Key Skills
- Laboratory Experience
- ELISA
- Immunoassays
- Mammalian Cell Culture
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Research Experience
- Cell Culture
- Molecular Biology
- Microscopy
- Research Laboratory Experience
- Western Blot
About Company
To help feed 10 billion people while reducing emissions and improve biodiversity. This is our mission as the global agriculture technology leader. With 59,000 employees in more than 100 countries and hundreds of thousands of agricultural partners worldwide, we are committed to transfo ... View more
