Genotyping Chemistry Scientist

About Syngenta 

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities.  We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance.  Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture. 

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 is seeking a highly skilled Genotyping Chemistry Scientist to join our innovative research team in Malta, IL.

The focus of this role is the design, development, and optimization of high-multiplex PCR assays and targeted Genotyping-by-Sequencing (tGBS) kits for high-throughput plant breeding applications. While oligonucleotide synthesis is outsourced to external partners, the ideal candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of oligonucleotide chemistry and synthesis constraints to effectively design assays, collaborate with vendors, and troubleshoot reagent quality.

Accountabilities:

• Design & Optimize: Architect high-multiplex PCR assays and tGBS workflows, optimizing primer design, pool chemistry, and amplification parameters for high-throughput genotyping.
• Manage External Synthesis: Serve as the technical liaison with external oligonucleotide synthesis vendors. Apply knowledge of synthesis chemistry to define specifications, evaluate quality control data, and troubleshoot synthesis-related assay failures.
• Lead Projects: Drive assay and kit development projects through the Stage Gate process, ensuring rigorous validation, scale-up feasibility, and seamless integration into production.
• Collaborate Globally: Partner closely with molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, and automation engineers to integrate newly designed assays into automated laboratory workflows.
• Stay Cutting-Edge: Maintain Syngenta’s competitive edge by scouting and implementing emerging trends in multiplex PCR chemistry, enzymes, NGS-based genotyping, and assay design software.

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring current or future sponsorship (which also comprises OPT/CPT and H-1B visas).

Education:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree with extensive relevant experience will be considered.

Experience:

• 6+ years of experience in genotyping applications, assay development, or molecular diagnostics.
• Proven track record in designing and validating high-multiplex PCR assays (e.g., design of panels with dozens to hundreds of targets).
• Strong familiarity with oligonucleotide chemistry, modification options, and synthesis/purification processes (to facilitate effective vendor management).

Technical Skills:

• Expertise in primer/probe design software and bioinformatics pipelines for multiplex PCR and tGBS.
• Hands-on experience with NGS-based genotyping workflows (tGBS, amplicon sequencing) and endpoint/real-time PCR.
• Experience with assay validation, buffer optimization, and enzyme selection for robust performance.
• Strong data analysis skills, including the ability to interpret DNA sequence and genotyping data to iterate assay designs.

Salary for this position ranges from $104,800  -  $157,200.

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. 

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Salary range for this position is $104,800 - $157,200