Germplasm Development Scientist- Subtropical Corn

Role purpose

• To be part of Sub-Tropical segment breeding program to enhance Syngentas germplasm and seed product performance
• Manage breeding projects for developing competitive inbreds and profitable hybrids
• Leverage Syngentas global R&D capabilities and technologies
• Transform business strategy into breeding priorities
• Foster cross-functional synergies for successful commercialization

Accountabilities

Breeding Program Leadership

• Spearhead Sub-Tropical corn breeding program in India
• Collaborating with multiple teams (Global and regional germplasm development teams, Applied team, Breeding operations team, Portfolio planning team) for product development

Technical Responsibilities

1. Project Management

• Design and implement breeding projects
• Champion modern breeding methods
• Plan crosses and testing protocols
• Manage pipeline advancement decisions

2. Communication & Reporting

• Update development of lines and hybrid status
• Maintain pipeline and advancement statistics
• Monitor KPIs and program efficiency

3. Technology Integration

• Implement Genomics-assisted breeding (GAB)
• Utilize DH and modern breeding tools
• Participate in global protocol improvements
• Coordinate with regional seed operations

Business accountabilities

1. Pipeline & Product Development

• Drive genetic gain to deliver superior commercial products meeting market demands
• Manage breeding pipelines from concept to commercial release
• Ensure product development aligns with Target Product Profile (TPP) and market requirements
• Meet annual advancement targets for new hybrids/varieties
• Optimize breeding cycle time and resource utilization
• Maintain competitive advantage through innovative breeding strategies

2. Resource & Investment Management

• Manage annual breeding program budget effectively
• Optimize resource allocation across projects
• Drive cost-efficient breeding operations
• Make data-driven decisions on project investments

3. Business Impact & Value Creation

• Contribute to market share growth through superior genetics
• Develop products that command premium pricing
• Support commercial teams with technical product knowledge
• Protect intellectual property through proper documentation
• Build long-term germplasm value for sustainable business growth

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

• Ph. D. or Masters in Plant Breeding and Genetics /or equivalent experience
• Minimum 8 years of successful breeding experience
• Proven commercial breeding success

Critical knowledge

• Advanced plant breeding and corn germplasm expertise (specific to Sub-Tropical and Temperate market segments)
• Strong GWS and marker applications knowledge
• Statistical and field plot techniques
• Cross-cultural business operations

Critical experience

• R&D team leadership
• Complex project management
• Matrix environment operations
• Cross-functional collaboration

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Leadership and innovation capabilities
• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Excellent organizational abilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Advanced computer proficiency
• R&D process understanding

Critical leadership capabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Goal setting
• Impactful communication
• Change management

Operational Excellence

• Innovation culture development
• Customer focus
• Performance management
• People development

Collaborative Leadership

• Cross-boundary collaboration
• Team building
• Organizational development

Critical success factors (KPIs)

• Advancement of commercially viable hybrids
• Implementation of cutting-edge breeding methodologies and make data driven decisions
• Delivery of high quality breeding lines

Key challenges

• Technical Challenges Developing market segment germplasm and adapting to rapid technological changes
• Operational Challenges Seasonal time pressure and Data management
• Market Challenges - Time to market demands and Changing farmer preferences