Trialing Specialist

About the role

The Trialing Specialist is a hands-on field research role within Syngenta's Seeds Development organization, responsible for the end-to-end execution of research trials that evaluate the performance of experimental vegetable seed varieties and hybrids. Reporting to the Trialing & Product Placement Lead, this role is at the heart of how Syngenta brings better seeds to market—from planting through harvest, data collection, and everything in between.

Responsibilities

• Drive the end-to-end trialing process—from trial planning, planting, and field management through harvest and data collection—ensuring trialing objectives are met on time and to quality standards.
• Operate and maintain specialized farm and precision agriculture equipment, such as planters, tractors, and automated harvest machinery, with responsibility for adjustment and basic repairs.
• Capture detailed phenotypic observations using advanced digital tools, imaging technologies, and drones, and ensure timely, accurate data storage in corporate systems.
• Select and optimize trial locations in alignment with target markets, customer segments, and trialing best practices; prepare and negotiate grower contracts.
• Partner closely with R&D, Marketing, and Sales teams—as well as growers and seed dealers—to communicate trial progress, resolve field issues, and maintain strategic trial site relationships.
• Lead and coach third-party field crews, managing performance and ensuring data integrity, operational excellence, and adherence to HSE standards.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in trialing operations and participate in research and process improvement initiatives related to vegetable variety phenotyping.

Qualifications

• Required: BS degree. Preferred: MSc degree in Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or an agriculture-related field.
• Practical knowledge of crop management, agronomy/horticulture practices, plant physiology, and plant breeding across vegetable crops.
• Deep understanding of practices and procedures that affect trial data quality and accuracy.
• Strong digital fluency and database management skills. Ability to master proprietary IT systems for data storage, label printing, and inventory management.
• Hands-on experience operating farming and precision agriculture equipment (e.g., planters, tractors, automated harvest equipment), such as adjustment, maintenance, and basic repairs.
• Demonstrated experience with electronic data capture and digital phenotyping tools and technologies (e.g., drones, imaging methods), and motivation for continuous learning.
• Fluency in English and the local language; demonstrated strong written and verbal communication abilities.

Additional Information

• 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