Trait Assessment Technician at Syngenta Group · El Ejido

Company Description

Syngenta Group, a global leader in agricultural technology and innovation, employs 60,000 people across more than 100 countries to transform agriculture through tailor-made solutions for farmers, society, and our planet. Our diverse portfolio encompasses seeds, crop protection, nutrition products, agronomic solutions, and digital services, all designed to help farmers produce healthy food, feed, fiber, and fuel while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment. Our mission is to address critical challenges such as climate change and food security through sustainable practices and cutting-edge solutions, while safeguarding the planet's resources.

Syngenta Seeds, a leading developer and producer of Field Crops, -Vegetable, - and Flower Seeds, is part of Syngenta Group. We bring farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops.

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 Trait Assessment team is seeking a Trait Assessment Technician in El Ejido, Spain.

This role will support the delivery of phytopathology research and new variety development by performing essential laboratory, greenhouse, and growth room operations. The successful candidate will work in state-of-the-art facilities, conducting trials and tests that contribute to the optimization of trait assessment protocols and the advancement of disease-resistant crop varieties.

Accountabilities:

Phytopathology Research & Trial Execution

• Execute phytopathology assays following established protocols under the guidance of Research Associates and Scientists.
• Perform a wide range of tasks including data collection, trial preparation, pathogen maintenance, inoculum preparation, inoculation, and phenotyping of routine tests.
• Conduct plant maintenance activities in controlled environments such as labs, growth rooms, and greenhouses.

Laboratory & Inventory Management

• Manage lab consumables and inventory efficiently, ensuring optimal stock levels and timely replenishment.
• Maintain equipment according to instructions and proactively signal any malfunctions or maintenance needs.

Data Management & Documentation

• Capture, enter, and report data accurately using MS Word, Excel, and other relevant software according to internal standards.
• Maintain precise documentation to support decision-making in new variety development.

Biosafety & HSE Compliance

• Operate in modern infrastructure according to best biosafety and HSE practices at all times.
• Demonstrate individual responsibility for health and safety, acting in a safe manner and complying with safe systems of work.
• Look out for the safety of colleagues and contribute to a culture of safety excellence.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal operation of the Trait Assessment department.
• Address issues and deviations from standards by working closely with the team.
• Communicate effectively in an R&D environment, asking questions for clarification and informing about potential delays or quality issues.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, technical diploma, or vocational qualification in Agronomy, Agriculture, Plant Science, Crop Production, Plant Health, or a related field.
• Around 2–3 years of hands-on experience in a laboratory-based plant pathology, phenotyping, seed testing, or trait assessment environment, with practical experience supporting disease resistance evaluation, plant trait scoring, sample handling, inoculation support, or controlled-environment phenotyping trials.
• Experience working in controlled environments, greenhouses, growth chambers, laboratories, or field trial conditions.
• Experience following technical protocols, collecting observations, and recording accurate data.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Basic knowledge of plant biology, crop development, and phytopathology.
• Understanding of phenotyping processes, such as visual scoring, symptom assessment, disease severity evaluation, plant performance observations, or trait data collection.
• Ability to follow detailed protocols for trial preparation, plant handling, inoculation support, sampling, scoring, and data capture.
• Good digital skills, including MS Office, especially Excel, and ability to use datasheets or digital data collection tools such as Smartsheet, tablets, or trial management systems.
• Ability and willingness to learn new phenotyping methods, greenhouse processes, and digital tools through training and self-learning.

Core Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to reliable, high-quality data.
• Practical, hands-on mindset with good organization and planning skills.
• Proactive and safety-conscious approach to daily work.
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in an R&D team.
• Fluent Spanish, both written and spoken.
• Basic English proficiency, with willingness to improve in a technical environment.
• Understanding of how accurate operational execution and data collection contribute to trial quality and team objectives.

Additional Information

Location: El Ejido, Spain

Work Environment: Modern laboratories, greenhouses, and controlled growth rooms

Team: Collaborative R&D environment working alongside Research Associates and Scientists

What We Offer

• Work-life balance: we offer flexible working hours to support a healthy balance between personal and professional life.
• Remote work: we have a remote work policy applicable when the nature of the role allows.
• Trust: we believe that freedom, trust, and responsibility are the foundation for our teams to grow and reach their full potential.
• Competitive compensation: a comprehensive package including fixed salary, bonus, pension plan, life insurance, and a wide range of flexible benefits to choose from (Meal Vouchers, WellHub, among others).
• Professional development: opportunities for growth and career advancement.
• Continuous learning: training programs with access to platforms such as Degreed, LinkedIn Learning, and language courses.

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.

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