Research Scientist

Job Description

ROLE PURPOSE
This role requires 5+ years of experience working in the areas of pesticide/agrochemical formulation development and able to work in the formulation lab.

The Research Scientist will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing innovative agrochemical formulations to support Syngenta's crop protection portfolio. This role requires strong technical expertise in formulation chemistry, analytical methods, Hands-on instruments like Rheometer, Surface Tension, contact angle, etc. and project management to deliver high-quality formulations that meet regulatory, safety, and performance standards followed by leadership skillsets, managing various global stakeholders.

ACCOUNTABILITIES
• To ensure that the jobholder works safely and healthy with due care for others, so that compliance with Syngenta’s HSE Policy is achieved.
• Design and develop new agrochemical formulations (ZC, CS, EW, DC, SC, WG, EC, SL, SE, OD, FS, ME)
• Optimize existing formulations for improved performance, stability, and cost-effectiveness
• Conduct physicochemical characterization of formulations & utilize respective instrument like Rheometer, ST, CA, etc. for detailed analysis for further formulation developmental work.
• Evaluate and select appropriate surfactants, dispersants, solvents, and co-formulants
• Perform compatibility and stability studies under various storage conditions
• Scale-up formulations from lab to pilot and commercial scale
• To invest in personal and professional development and growth, undertaking, where appropriate, training and development activities and ensuring familiarity with new research and literature.
• Ensure that Laboratories resources and Equipment’s used are well maintained, protected, and documented as per the function requirements.
• Responsible for maintaining complete confidentiality of all Syngenta intellectual property.
• To carry out the timely preparation of formulations at all scales to provide samples for testing within Formulation Development or at external functions.
• To interpret experimental data and report results and conclusions obtained both orally and written form to allow cogent and timely at different Stages project decisions, Regulatory submissions and accurate information archiving and transfer for future commercial manufacturing activities.

Qualifications

Essential: Master’s degree in Pesticides/Agrochemicals chemistry must/preferable from reputed universities with strong academic records and excellent communication skills with +5 years of industrial experience as a pesticide/agrochemical formulation development.

Preferred: Ph.D. in Formulation Science, Colloid Chemistry, FD instrument related work or related field

Critical Knowledge and experience:
Good experimental skills in the areas of formulation development and Phy-chem testing and handling of equipment’s used in pesticide/agrochemical formulations.
• Able to develop the different formulation individually
• Sound understanding of agrochemical formulations / Coformulations / Fillers
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experience with Electronic Lab Notebooks (Biovia, Uncountable, or similar)
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools
• Knowledge of data visualization and presentation tools
• Flexible and resourceful to meet assigned targets

Competencies & Attributes
Technical Competencies:
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking, FD Instrument handling
• Attention to detail and data accuracy
• Good experimental skills with aptitude for learning
• Excellent operational, organisational and interpersonal skills
• Understanding of scale-up principles and manufacturing processes
• Ability to communicate with multi-functional team with credibility, maintaining a balance between local needs

Additional Information

Working Conditions
• Laboratory Work: 70-80% hands-on laboratory work
• Desk Work: 20-30% data analysis, documentation, meetings
• Working Hours: Standard 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM with flexibility for experiments
• Physical Requirements: Ability to handle laboratory equipment and chemicals safely
• Travel: Occasional travel to Hyderabad R&D site or field locations (5-10%)
• Environment: Air-conditioned laboratory with proper ventilation and safety systems
• Primary Location: Goa-India
• Schedule: Permanent

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. Learn more about our D&I initiatives here: https://www.syngenta.com/careers/working-syngenta/diversity-and-inclusion