Date of posting here May 30, 2009 Type of position Full time Employer Syngenta Description of Employer Syngenta is one of the world’s leading companies with 24,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: bringing plant potential to life. We contribute to addressing some of the planet’s most critical issues such as the rising demand for food from a growing population. Syngenta employees have a major impact on the health and wellbeing of communities all around the world. They work in a focused, highly collaborative culture and benefit from the training, development and inspirational colleagues that you’d expect to find in a fast growing, international company. There’s never been a better time to join Syngenta. For more information on working for Syngenta, please visit http://www.syngenta.com Location Bloomington / Clinton, IL 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 06.30.09 Date position available 05.28.09 Description of duties Role Purpose The purpose of the Genetic Information Manager (GIM) role is to work with Maize Germplasm Teams (GPTs) to improve the performance of Syngenta’s corn germplasm through the application of genetic information. The GIM role performs data handling and statistical analyses of phenotypic, genotypic and environmental data in support of marker implementation projects in maize. Accountabilities Together with Maize Genetic Development Scientists (MGDs), lead or participate in germplasm development projects that are a part of the marker implementation portfolio as defined below. Participate in Germplasm Teams (GPTs) in defining marker implementation projects within the objectives defined by Product Development. Propose genetic information application processes, such as marker assisted selection, marker assisted backcrossing and marker assisted recurrent selection whenever appropriate. Also propose or support the evaluation of new approaches. Define and communicate project plans and marker implementation initiatives with MGD including: project objectives and outcomes, germplasm base, resources and timelines. Manage different phases of marker implementation projects running within assigned GPT. Ensure different phases of each project meets project milestones. This includes working and communicating with Native Trait Project leads, genotyping laboratories, phenotyping facilities and nurseries or greenhouses, conducting data analysis, and protocol and methodology development. Ensure proper project advancement, within budget and timeframe. Maintain tight relationship with and ensure constant involvement of MGD’s during project advancement. Report progress and achievements to appropriate MGD and GIM leader, including consolidation of product performance and IP capture throughout the project lifecycle. Effectively work and participate in Native Traits teams to ensure that new genetic information discoveries and trait-specific information and tools are being communicated and applied within the GPT and Project teams. Maintain awareness of internal and external developments and achievements in the area of tools (discovery and implementation); and keep a close relationship with other GIMs and GIM leader to ensure the same level of expertise and quality of implementation across all areas and genetic information application projects. Consolidate and synthesize project implementation experience to provide feed-back allowing continuous improvement in quality and efficiency to genotyping laboratories, phenotyping facilities and nurseries or greenhouses. Qualifications sought Knowledge, experience & capabilities - A thorough knowledge of breeding theory and Mendelian genetics (experimental designs, descriptive and test statistics, genetic gain theory, genetic models, linkage disequilibrium, genetic diversity analysis, etc.). Good knowledge of and experience with statistical tools and methods involved in genetic information applications (genetic mapping – Mapmaker, Joinmap - QTL and marker trait association mapping – maximum likelihood, CIM, QTLCartographer, PlabQTL – probability calculations and simulation). Excellent computer skills and ability to learn and apply software. Knowledge of genotyping systems and platforms. Good understanding of genomics tools and approaches. Knowledge of maize and maize breeding desired. Critical knowledge: Ph.D. or Masters with several years of experience in plant breeding or related field. Experience in molecular markers, agronomy, genomics or quantitative genetics preferred. Critical experience: Good knowledge and/or experience applying genetic information to plant or animal breeding. Experience in SAS or other statistical software and/or database (SQL, Access, etc.) formatting would be beneficial. Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities: Excellent organization, communication and computer skills. Ability to plan and forecast projects in advance. Excellent interpersonal skills, especially the ability to work in a team based environment. Capacity to innovate in a focused and product-oriented manner. Critical leadership capabilities: Team-Oriented Customer-Focused Results-Oriented Innovative Critical success factors: Manage marker implementation portfolio within assigned GPT. Communicate projects and milestones to GIM Team and GPT. Track all projects phases and track dependencies resolving conflicts with GIM Lead and GIM Team members. Development of computer skills and methods to conduct analysis through standard processes. Work with a global multidisciplinary team of geneticists, plant breeders, statisticians, data analysts, and other project scientists. Additional Information: All applicants must be eligible to work in the US. Some travel by car or plane. Periods of intense computer or field work at critical times for projects. Indoor intensive work at a computer for long periods of time Contact for additional information email to kathleen.rhodes@yoh.com Application procedure   Submit what resume Submit to email Additional Information EOE