Field Scientist

Syngenta Crop Protection is a leader in agricultural innovation, bringing breakthrough technologies and solutions that enable farmers to grow productively and sustainably. We offer a leading portfolio of crop protection solutions for plant and soil health, as well as digital solutions that transform the decision-making capabilities of farmers. Our 17,900 employees serve to advance agriculture in more than 90 countries around the world. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and is part of the Syngenta Group.

Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.

As a Field Biologist, you will carry out all elements of development trials across crop protection and seed development disciplines — including site discovery and selection, field preparation, product application, maintenance, assessment and reporting — to the required standards (GEP). 

The applicant will generate high-quality field trial data and ensure its timely delivery, contribute to the planning, implementation and reporting of field trials within our EAME profiling and product development programmes, and apply your technical and agronomic expertise to help develop new and innovative solutions. 

The role will be based out of our field station in the Cambridge area. The role is both technical and physical in nature so the applicant should expect to do all aspects of conducting field trials. 

Responsibilities/accountabilities will also include:

• Conduct and manage an agreed number of field trials through all stages — from initial planning to completion of the final report — to local quality and HSE standards, with minimal or no supervision. 

• Lead in trial excellence to achieve project objectives. 

• Contribute to project and trial planning and design. 

• Ensure the rapid availability of data and interpretation for Global and EAME use (ARM and presentations). 

• Provide scientific data interpretation and recommendations for the next steps in a project. 

• Support the conduct of field trial visits. 

• Develop and flag innovative ideas for portfolio opportunities and solutions, based on product and agronomic know-how. 

• Effectively manage multi-trial sites on commercial farms, including site design, farmer liaison and compensation negotiations. 

• Plan, plant, manage and maintain crops for optimum trial success. 

• Assist in the training of new staff. 

• Contribute to the writing and maintenance of standard operating procedures. 

• Keep trial facilities in order and running, according to local quality and HSE standards. 

• Care for trial experimental and maintenance equipment. 

• Store experimental chemicals and plant material according to local quality and HSE standards. 

• Contribute to trial budget compliance. 

Qualifications and required experience:

• A scientific mindset, applied to the planning, execution, interpretation and reporting of field trials. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills — written, verbal and presentation. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 

• Experience in data interpretation and analysis for both regulatory and commercial use.

Site Details

Syngenta’s site at Cambridge is the location for the commercial operations of Syngenta's Crop Protection, Seeds, Flowers and Lawn & Garden businesses in the UK and Ireland. Activities include sales, marketing, technical support, customer support, HR, Finance and administration functions.  

What we offer

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
• Learning culture and wide range of training options.
• Good onsite facilities

Syngenta has been ranked as a top 5 employer and number 1 in agriculture by Science Journal.