Laboratory Internship at Syngenta
Company Description
Syngenta is a Global Agribusiness Company with its
headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. We are a market leader in the breeding and
production of Seeds and Cuttings for high-quality pot and bedding plants. In
Kenya, we have two production Sites; Kenya Cuttings Limited based in Thika, and
Pollen Limited based in Ruiru.
Job Description
We are seeking for an enthusiastic and dedicated intern to
join East Africa Plant Pathology Laboratory- Syngenta Flowers. This position
offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in plant disease
diagnostics, research, and management strategies specifically focused on
ornamental flower crops. The intern will work closely with our team of
experienced laboratory personnel and contribute to ongoing projects aimed at
improving flower health and quality checks within the site.
Role Objective
- To
provide technical support to the lab team by conducting experiments,
running laboratory tests, and analyze results.
- To
develop and validate effective test protocols.
What Your Day May Look Like;
- Adherence
to the general good laboratory practice (GLD).
- Work
on assigned projects and tasks both independently and as a team member.
- Performing
all tasks inside the laboratory such as samples reception, samples
analysis, results interpretation.
- Compile
and record data for the documentation needed for testing and report
preparation.
- Be
conversant with all Lab protocols and chemical Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Ensure
safety in the lab and all lab safety procedures are adhered to.
- Proficient
use of technical laboratory instruments and equipment e.g. thermocyclers
and centrifuge.
- Promote
an innovation culture by constantly seeking new ideas and solutions.
- Development
and validation or verification of test protocols
- Any
other tasks & projects as may be allocated from time to time.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s
degree in plant science, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology,
Biochemistry, Agronomy or its equivalent.
- Basic
understanding of microbiology and plant biology principles
- Attention
to detail and ability to follow protocols accurately
- Ability
to work both independently and as part of a team
- Basic
computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
Experience
- Minimum
of one year of laboratory experience running both PCR and ELISA tests.
- Well-developed
understanding of laboratory procedures and basic equipment
- Familiarity
with common plant pathogens and diseases
Personal Attributes
- Analytical.
- Results
oriented.
- Integrity.
- Responsibility.
- Keenness
to detail.
Working Relationships
INTERNAL
- All
Staff
EXTERNAL
- Government
Agencies – KEPHIS, USDA
- ILRI –
BecA Hub
- Service
providers
- Local
community
Additional Information
Duration: 6-12 months full time internship
(Possibility of extension based on performance)
Technical Sales Representative at Syngenta
Role Purpose
- Accelerate
product introduction, promotion and demand creation for both new and
existing VEG SE varieties in order to boost the sales.
- Organize
demo trials for customers & promote the varieties during the customer
visits
- Provide
feedback from Demo trials to the Sales Area Manager.
- Collaborate
with the Marketing & Sales TER and BU teams by providing them with
sufficient technical information on the product behavior and performance
to help them in the product positioning and sales.
- Be the
technical reference for the assigned VEG crops and Area.
- Support
the transition/handover between technical, marketing and trialing
- Execute
campaign plans in accordance with agreed campaign priorities
- Ensure
delivery of Syngenta brand revenue targets
- Achieve
participation in the crop units i.e. market data and trials planning
- Sales
revenue brand plan
Accountabilities
Sales Performance
- Achieve
and exceed monthly, quarterly and annual net sales and gross profit
targets for assigned product portfolio and territory.
- Develop
and implement effective sales strategies to grow market share.
- Conduct
regular market analysis to drive a competitive strategy for the business.
- Forecasting
for the territory on monthly, quarterly and annual basis and ensuring
forecast accuracy is achieved.
New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Lead
the introduction of new vegetable seed varieties in the assigned
territory.
- Organize
and conduct field demonstrations and trials for new products.
- Educate
customers on the benefits and cultivation practices of new varieties.
Demand Generation
- Identify
and pursue new business opportunities within the territory.
- Collaborate
with the customer experience team and key accounts to co-create and
implement. effective marketing campaigns to stimulate demand for Syngenta
products.
- Collaborate
with marketing team to develop tailored promotional materials.
Key Account Management
- Build
and maintain strong relationships with key customers and distributors.
- Provide
technical support and advice to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Manage
and support distributors and young plant raisers with the business plans.
execution continuously monitoring progress and co-creating effective
recovery strategies.
- Manage
accounts receivables within the stipulated terms of sales.
People Responsibilities
- Mentor
and train Field agronomists.
- Collaborate
effectively with cross-functional teams (R&D, marketing, supply
chain).
- Represent
Syngenta at industry events and farmer meetings.
Qualifications
Experience Required
Vegetable Seed Industry Knowledge
- Minimum
5 years of direct experience in the vegetable seed industry.
- In-depth
understanding of the Kenyan vegetable market dynamics and trends.
- Familiarity
with major vegetable crops grown in Kenya and their production cycles.
Technical Expertise
- Proven
experience in providing technical support.
- Ability
to conduct and interpret field trials results and showcase product
competencies in demonstrations.
- Knowledge
of pest and disease management in vegetable crops.
Graduate Trainee Production
Job description
The Graduate Trainee will support the daily operations of
our Flowers production site, focused on greenhouse production, particularly for
Pelargonium (geraniums) and B&B (Bedding and Balcony) plants. The role
offers hands on experience and development opportunities in greenhouse
production processes, cold room, fertigation, spraying, engineering and any
other relevant department. The Graduate trainee will utilize this opportunity
to develop his/her leadership and technical skills required for people management
and crop production
Graduate Trainee Logistics
Job description
The purpose of this role is to support the smooth flow of
exports and imports by handling shipment planning, booking logistics, preparing
accurate export/import and customs documentation, and planning for the
availability of essential logistics consumables. The Trainee plays a critical
role in ensuring timely, compliant dispatch of produce and uninterrupted supply
of farm logistics materials