Head of Weed Control Research Biology

Syngenta Crop Protection is a leader in agricultural innovation, bringing breakthrough technologies and solutions that enable farmers to grow healthy and nutritious food while taking care of the planet. 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. Regardless of your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding an ever-increasing population while taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an inspirational leader and experienced weed scientist understanding selective and non-selective weed control solutions in corn, soybean, cereals and rice to lead our Weed Control Research Biology Group as Head of Weed Control Research Biology. You will be a member of the the Crop Protection (CP) Research Biology Leadership Team and Weed Control Research Portfolio Team. With an entrepreneurial mindset you will have the opportunity to champion digital, data and pioneering innovation approaches to discover and develop the next generation of Weed control solutions (chemistry, biologicals and alternative management strategies). You will shape and define the research strategy and guide the specific research projects in all major cropping systems globally. You will also act as a pivotal link between Weed Control research activities and the broader global Weed Control business, offering advice and influence in the development of the overall business strategy, including definition of research targets, evaluation of competitor technologies, integration of chemical and seeds traits and emerging adjacent technologies into compelling product concepts. Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing the Weed Control Research Biology group (~35), making a key contribution through scientific excellence and differentiating biology capabilities (lab, glasshouse and semi field) to drive successful delivery of innovative research projects into development. 
• Playing an influential role in the broader leadership of the Crop Protection Research Biology function and making key inputs towards the successful execution and delivery of the CP R&D Strategy.
• Building and maintaining excellence in Weed Control biology expertise.
• Fostering innovation and creativity with integrating new scientific and technology trends potentially impacting Crop Protection Research and Weed Control (e.g. novel game-changing technologies, alternative weed management solutions).
• Driving the adoption and integration of a digital-first mindset and pioneer use of tools, including advanced phenotyping technologies and greenhouse automation.
• Maximizing impact of research biology capabilities in support of our weed control portfolio.
• Collaborating cross functionally to work on holistic weed management.
• Partnering with CP R&D functions & developing innovative strategies to address key challenges.

What we are looking for?

• Masters or PhD in Agri-science or related field plus research/development experience at a senior level with focus on weed science and weed management approaches.
• Extensive knowledge of and practical experience in key cropping systems globally, focused on weed control.
• Strong ability to set a clear direction for the team and to ensure high performance, delivery and personal development of individuals to reach their full potential.
• Experience of working in cross-functional project teams preferably with international experience/global reach.
• A solution-oriented innovative mindset and desire for continuous improvement of methodologies and processes resulting in effective and efficient resource use.
• Excellent influencing, inspirational communication, collaboration and networking skills with proven project management capability.
• Knowledge of finance, budgeting and resource planning.

Our site 

Jealott's Hill International Research Centre UK is situated in pleasant semi-rural surroundings between Bracknell and Maidenhead and is the place of work for approximately 800 Syngenta scientists and support staff. Jealott’s Hill is one of the main global research and development sites and key activities include research into discovery of new active ingredients, new formulation technologies, product safety and technical support of our product range. 

What we offer

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.  
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday. 
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.    
• The chance to work as part of a global team to address the current and future needs of the agricultural sector and help feed an ever-increasing population. 
• A vibrant growth and learning culture and wide range of training options. 

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

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  

Jealott’s Hill has Disability Confident certification.  

We are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to all candidates and our Jealott’s Hill site is a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application and we will do everything we can to support you.