Location: Des Moines, IA
Job Description
At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. We invite you to help shape the future of agriculture and play a role in safely feeding the world while caring for our planet.
Syngenta's Analytics & Data Sciences team is seeking a Digital Phenomics Intern in Des Moines, Iowa. This internship provides practical experience applicable to careers in agricultural technology, plant sciences, or graduate research programs. You'll gain exposure to industry-leading phenotyping infrastructure and contribute meaningful insights to active breeding programs.
As part of Syngenta's Emerging Talent Program, you will gain hands-on experience, exposure to day-to-day business operations, and opportunities to apply your academic knowledge to real-world challenges while developing your professional skills.
Duration: May 2027 – August 2027
Accountabilities
-
Support phenotyping platform operations including sensor deployment, image acquisition, and field data collection across greenhouse and field environments.
-
Contribute to image processing workflows, trait extraction algorithms, and analytical pipeline optimization using advanced computational tools.
-
Lead an independent research initiative focused on phenotyping methodology validation or trait measurement innovation, culminating in a presentation to research leadership.
-
Partner with plant breeders, agronomists, and data scientists to integrate phenotypic insights into breeding decisions and product development.
-
Maintain detailed experimental records, standard operating procedures, and technical documentation to ensure reproducibility.
Required
-
Currently enrolled as a graduate student in an accredited college/university.
-
Pursuing degree in Plant Breeding, Plant Science, Agronomy, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Biology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Entomology, Weed science Crop Science, or related discipline.
-
Hands-on experience with agricultural research, remote sensing, field trials, or crop production systems beneficial.
-
Programming proficiency in Python and/or R for data analysis and visualization.
-
Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
-
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
-
Effective communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.