Scientist I

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. To support this mission, Syngenta’s Seeds Research Traits Team is seeking a Scientist I in Durham, NC. This role will lead the design, development, and optimization of high-throughput processes for lead production in Trait Discovery.

Accountabilities:

• Drive innovation in automated systems for molecular biology, microbial, plant-based, and other biological sample generation platforms.
• Integrate cross-disciplinary approaches to accelerate next-generation trait discovery pipelines.
• Advance high-throughput platforms for molecular cloning, protein expression, purification, and normalization to meet strategic project goals.
• Provide technical leadership in identifying and characterizing potential trait candidates through varied experimental strategies.
• Own and lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-throughput sample production platforms, such as molecular cloning, protein expression, purification, and normalization workflows.
• Champion innovation and troubleshooting across disciplines, ensuring alignment with Trait Discovery strategic objectives.
• Manage and prioritize multiple sample production workflows, ensuring delivery to project timelines.
• Evaluate, validate, and deploy novel microbe- and plant-based protein expression systems to expand platform capabilities.
• Ensure rigorous experimental design, data integrity, and statistical analysis to support decision-making.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and contribute to high-quality technical reports and publications.
• Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both scientific and non-scientific stakeholders.
• Promote a collaborative, safe, and welcoming working environment, modeling scientific excellence and accountability.

Qualifications

Required:

•  
• Proven track record in developing and optimizing high-throughput workflows for sample production, such as purification and quality control.
• Demonstrated leadership in implementing creative, cost-efficient solutions that improve productivity and quality.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence across teams.
• Proficiency in advanced sample production techniques across multiple biological platforms (e.g., microbial, plant, cell-free systems).
• Ability to independently design experiments, interpret complex data, and make recommendations.

Desired:

• Direct experience in agricultural biotechnology, life sciences, or a related industry.
• Expertise in varied high-throughput screening and automation methods for biological sample production.
• Deep knowledge of microbial, plant, and/or cell-free expression systems, strain or host optimization, and cultivation techniques.
• Advanced skills in high-throughput production workflows, such as preparation, expression, purification, and quality control across multiple biological platforms.
• Hands-on experience with automated liquid handling systems, integrated instrumentation, and workflow optimization.
• Experience with transient and stable production systems in plants, microbes, or other hosts.
• Proficiency in Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and data management best practices.

Additional Information

What We Offer: 

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs. 
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day. 
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution. 
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits. 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

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. 

WL: 3A

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