Seed Production Pathologist

Company Description

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s leading developers and producers of high‑quality seeds for farmers, growers, retailers, and seed companies. Our innovations enable growers to produce healthier, more resilient crops using fewer resources. From disease‑resistant hybrids to advanced biotech varieties, we bring solutions that help feed the world sustainably.

We operate year-round across our global production sites and with trusted partners worldwide—delivering top-quality seeds to customers on every continent.

If you’re passionate about plant pathology, global collaboration, and making an impact on food production, we invite you to join our team.

Job Description

Role Profile Summary

The incumbent will play a key role in ensuring healthy seed production across Syngenta’s market‑leading vegetable varieties. This role provides essential tools, guidance, and technical support to the Field Production community, enabling effective development and execution of regional sourcing strategies.

They will facilitate and lead continuous improvement initiatives in vegetable seed pathology across all crops, fostering alignment and knowledge‑sharing. Strong communication and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders are essential to support a unified, high‑performing global team.

Syngenta produces seeds year‑round across our own global production sites and through trusted partners worldwide. This role helps ensure that high‑quality seed is delivered consistently to customers on every continent.

• Conduct regional crop inspections, risk analyses, and audits; train and advise local Field Production teams, growers, and third‑party vendors.

• Maintain and strengthen the global network for assigned species, collaborating closely with FP, GSSS, GCU, and peers across regions.
• Share best practices, coordinate joint actions with global pathologists, and ensure proper follow‑up.
• Lead and organize IT tools, infrastructure, and data accessibility to enable efficient global Field Pathology operations.
• Drive and coordinate cross-crop projects to optimize vegetable seed health regionally and globally.
• Act as pathology expert for assigned species; develop hygiene processes and seed production procedures.
• Train, mentor, and develop others in hygienic seed production techniques.
• Coordinate pathogen prevention and control programs, as well as response activities for pathogen outbreaks.
• Develop consolidated Field Pathology strategies in alignment with crop sourcing strategies.
• Translate global strategies into actionable regional plans in collaboration with Field Production leadership.
• Support QC in pathogen identification and contribute to cross-crop continuous improvement initiatives.
• Serve as regional expert for disease identification and mitigation across all species.
• Support productivity, efficiency, and sustainability projects within the GSSS community.
• Represent Syngenta in external phytosanitary platforms.
• Support Seed Movement & Trade teams with operational trade requirements (additional declarations, CoO).
• Lead and manage improvement projects end-to-end.

Qualifications

• MSc or BSc in Plant Pathology (or related discipline)
• Strong knowledge of seed production operations
• Experience leading cross-functional teams
• Strong IT and project management capabilities
• Fluent in English
• Experience working in a multicultural, international environment

• Technical & Professional Skills

• Hands-on experience in plant pathology and disease identification
• Strong data analytics and financial understanding
• Ability to work effectively across organizational functions
• Independent, entrepreneurial mindset with a clear strategic vision
• Skilled communicator and presenter
• Strong collaboration, cultural awareness, and team orientation
• High drive to complete complex projects successfully

• Leadership Competencies

• Ability to work effectively with global networks and production teams
• End-to-end thinking and ownership of processes

Additional Information

• Willingness to travel internationally (approx. 60%)