Principal Scientist - Downstream Processing (DSP), Protein Science

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers, and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water, and fewer inputs.

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.

We have an exciting opportunity for a knowledgeable and experienced Post Doctoral candidate (or equivalent) to lead critical protein production projects and other protein science initiatives, develop novel methodologies and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to advance our scientific capabilities joining us as a Principal Scientist. Within this role you will have the opportunity to make significant scientific contributions to our projects while also mentoring junior scientists. Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading protein expression and purification projects from concept to implementation, providing scientific leadership and technical guidance to team members and project stakeholders.
• Developing innovative approaches to overcome complex protein production challenges.
• Driving continuous improvement in protein delivery methodologies.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support and deliver to key project objectives.
• Acting as a technical lead to establish science work plans with relevant outsourcing partners.
• Supporting  the gap analysis and leading the initiative to identify new outsourcing partners to optimise delivery timelines and efficiencies.
• Working safely and with due care to others ensuring compliance with company HSE policies.

What we are looking for?

• Post Doc level or equivalent experience in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical or other related fields.
• Experience in both upstream microbial expression processes (USP) and downstream purification processes (DSP).
• Extensive hands-on experience with with protein expression and purification with expertise in:
  • Protein purification techniques (broad experience with different chromatography methods including affinity, ion exchange (IEX), hydrophobic interaction (HIC) and size exclusion (SEC) chromatography).
  • Protein characterisation methods (including biophysical techniques).
  • Application of scale-up considerations for protein production processes.
• Good understanding and knowledge of recombinant protein expression systems (bacterial, insect, yeast or plant systems).
• Proven track record of scientific innovation and problem solving.
• Experience of directing project strategy based on scientific data.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to present complex concepts clearly.

Desirable skills and experience

• Working with challenging protein classes (membrane proteins, large complexes).
• Knowledge of DoE approaches for method optimisation and application of AI tools and models to inform experimental design.
• Working with scalable bioprocess technologies e.g. Tangential flow filtration (TFF) and other membrane filtration methods.
• With automation platforms for protein purification.
• Industry experience in Biopharma, AgriTech or related sectors.

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

• On the job training.
• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
• Large campus environment.
• Good onsite facilities including a site restaurant, gym, a variety of fitness classes, employee allotments, all-weather pitch and sports field.
• 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 are 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.