Fast Trait Introgression (Fast TI) & Cell Biology Technician

Job description

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing high-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that help farmers succeed. To support this mission, Syngenta’s Vegetable Research & Development team is seeking an onsite Fast Trait Introgression (Fast TI) & Cell Biology Technician in El Ejido, Almería, Spain. This role supports Trait Introgression and Cell Biology operations across Vegetable R&D activities, helping to deliver high-quality plant material, reliable traceability and safe, efficient processes in greenhouse and laboratory environments. What you will do Execute Fast TI activities under supervision, including transplanting, plant labelling, flower emasculation and pollination, harvest, and leaf sampling for molecular markers. Carry out Cell Biology activities under sterile conditions, including embryo rescue, subculturing, seedling transplanting, culture-media preparation, material preparation and sterilisation, fruit and seed disinfection, and sampling in a flow hood. Maintain accurate, timely traceability of embryos, plants and seeds using internal track-and-trace tools, Smartsheet and related systems. Follow biosafety, HSE, ISO 9001 and GSPP requirements, helping to maintain safe, orderly and compliant greenhouse and laboratory operations. Monitor daily activities, identify process discrepancies and provide accurate data to support planning and forecasting. Support weekly, monthly and annual activity planning, including coordination with internal teams and third-party resources through VEGA. Monitor processes, facilities and infrastructure needs; escalate improvement opportunities or material requirements to prevent delays to R&D crop activities. Help optimise the quality, quantity and timeliness of deliveries through effective resource use, KPI follow-up and continuous improvement. Provide flexible support to colleagues, Crop Managers, farm teams, HSE and site projects according to operational demand. Build effective working relationships with Breeders, Farm teams, Marketing, Sales and other site functions, promoting transparent communication and shared delivery. What you will bring Knowledge of seed processes, seed production and pollination; familiarity with solanaceous crops is beneficial. Practical experience or strong interest in in-vitro culture and/or pollination activities, ideally in solanaceous or cucurbit crops. Understanding of sterile working practices for cell biology and tissue-culture activities, as well as biosafety requirements. Awareness of quality and continuous-improvement standards, including GSPP and ISO 9001. Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel and PowerPoint; experience with Smartsheet is an advantage. Strong attention to detail, organisation and ability to maintain accurate records. Ability to manage changing priorities, work constructively under pressure and make sound decisions in situations of ambiguity. A proactive, collaborative and results-oriented approach, with the ability to share knowledge and work effectively across teams without direct reporting lines. Ability to perform practical, manual work in greenhouse and laboratory environments while maintaining safe and clean ways of working. What We Offer A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity and offers numerous events throughout the year. Competitive salary and benefits package. A role that contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment. Learning culture and a wide range of development options, including access to learning platforms (Degreed and LinkedIn Learning). 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. At Syngenta Vegetables, we're cultivating tomorrow's diversity through innovative breeding that brings nutritious vegetables to tables worldwide. We combine centuries of seed heritage with cutting-edge innovation to develop resilient, high-performing varieties that thrive in diverse climates. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable horticulture, where every seed holds the potential to enhance lives through better nutrition and natural beauty.