Data Scientist

Company Description

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s
largest developers and producers of seed
for farmers, commercial growers, retailers
and small seed companies. Syngenta
seeds improve the quality and yields of
crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and
more productive crops, which is why
farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds
help mitigate risks such as disease and
drought and allow farmers to grow food
using less land, less water and fewer
inputs.
Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more
vigorous, stronger, resistant plants,
including innovative hybrid varieties and
biotech crops that can thrive even in
challenging growing conditions.
Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the
United States.

Job Description

Role purpose

This role will apply Big-data, Machine Learning and statistics capabilities to enable implementation and execution of Molecular breeding toos and methodologies. This person will work with the breeding teams to develop data interpretations, predictive models and their applications to drive data driven decision making. He/she will use all the latest technologies to drive rapid genetic gains in corn and rice crops in APAC.

Accountabilities

• Develop Machine Learning solutions for various Genetics, imaging, data processing, analyses, storage and querying problems in Crop R&D set up
• Work with global Genetics/Computer Vision/IT teams execute and deploy novel breeding solutions in APAC countries
• Work in diverse, cross-collaborative teams with plant breeders, Trialing & Nursery operations, Trait Development, and IT

Critical knowledge/ Experience

• MSc or equivalent degree with 2 years’ experience in Data Science or Computer Science or any of the Biology disciplines.
• Demonstrated expertise with tools for data analysis, statistical computation, and visualization (such as Python or R); programing and pipeline development skills integrating large, complex datasets from structured and unstructured sources.
• Demonstrated skills to use simple interfaces to build visualization capabilities of analysis outputs and results.
• Experience in machine learning, data mining algorithms and developing easy-to-use UI’s such as R shiny
• Experience working with molecular marker-based studies applied to plant breeding, such as marker-assisted selection, genome-wide phenotype-to-genotype association, and genomic selection would be great to have but not a must
• Experience of having worked on Computer Vision tools and experience with image analyse will be a great additional skill but not a must.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional, collaborative environment
• Creative, innovative, and strategic thinking; willingness to be bold and take risks on novel ideas.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Critical Skills: 

• Growth  mindset to continuously look out for and implement new ways of germplasm development  is critical
• Excellent organization, communication and computer skills.   
• Excellent interpersonal skills, especially those required to successfully function as part of a cross-functional team. 
• Ability to think creatively and learn quickly how to influence are critical personality capabilities for this role