Research Biologist

About Syngenta

At Syngenta Crop Protection, we're pioneering solutions that safeguard global food security while championing sustainable agriculture. As a world market leader headquartered in Switzerland, we empower farmers with innovative crop protection technologies that defend against nature's toughest challenges. We unite advanced science with digital solutions to develop intelligent crop protection that maximizes yields while minimizing environmental impact. Join our mission of revolutionizing plant protection from seed to harvest.

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 Hiring Team is seeking a Onsite Research Biologist in Jealott's Hill, UK. 

Accountabilities:

• Work efficiently, independently and as part of a team for carrying out experimental work using established and novel herbicide resistance methods.
• Responsible for maintaining and purification of critical Amaranthus biotypes needed to support resistant seed tests, and any ad-hoc tests supporting other screening platforms.
• Assist Platform lead with identification and purification of new weed biotypes needed to support resistant seed tests. Identify key biotypes and purify seed lots.
• Use BioME database as seed inventory. Visualise Resistance Seed data with Spotfire. Visualise genomic data with Geneious.
• Assist with planning and delivering plant units for spray tests, monitor glasshouse conditions ensuring they are appropriate for good plant health. Liaise with the Horticultural Operations Team when necessary.
• Process seeds using appropriate equipment; ensure seed quality is maintained and apply germination treatments when required.
• Support seed outsourcing at other Syngenta sites i.e. Vero Beach, Stein and other external institutions and companies.
• Identify issues, non-conformities, problem-solve if these occur, and put measures into place to reduce likelihood of recurrence.
• Ensure that all work is conducted within Syngenta’s policies and standards on quality and safety.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

Education & Experience

• B.Sc. degree or and 5 years’ experience in a related field (preferred)
• Demonstrates expertise and knowledge relating to the resistance research platform
• Demonstrates expertise and in-depth knowledge in current research platform (minimum 3 – 5 years)

Critical knowledge/experience

• Strong knowledge of plant biology and herbicides as it related to the screening operations at Jealott’s Hill; ideally also with knowledge on weed control and some agronomics.
• Strong knowledge of seed biology and germination methods.
• Good knowledge in plant genetics and herbicide resistance.
• Ability to work in the laboratory: knowledge on herbicide formulation and laboratory techniques.
• Use of Microsoft office programs and data capture programs used in the screening operations.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Excellent people, interpersonal, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to learn and adapt to using the data collection programs at JH 
• Capable of working constructively and effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Good organisational and multitasking skills

Critical leadership capabilities

• Customer focused – we focus our actions on our customer’s needs; we develop and sustain strong customer relationships
• Innovative – we generate innovative solutions; we challenge the status quo and push boundaries; we try different and novel ways to deal with work problems and opportunities
• Decisive – we draw conclusions and choose a timely course of action based on relevant facts, constraints and probable consequences
• Communicative – we clearly convey information and ideas; we encourage open and continuous communication; we are keen to listen and learn
• Trusted – we develop and maintain an environment of openness, trust and integrity; we gain the confidence our stakeholders
• Team-Oriented – we actively participate as members of a team to move the team toward completion of goals; we collaborate effectively across organisational boundaries

Results-Oriented – we deliver on our commitments; we set inspirational goals and work tenaciously to reach or exceed them.

Desired Qualifications:

• Degree level or extensive experience using molecular genetic workflows (Desirable)
• Knowledge of Molecular genetics (preferred)

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

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members.
• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday plus 8 UK bank holidays.
• 36-hour working week.

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