Principal Scientist Computational Biology

Syngenta Group; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Bonus scheme

Private medical & life insurance

Flexible working

International environment

Job summary

Syngenta Crop Protection in the United Kingdom is seeking a computational biology/data science expert to develop and deploy bioinformatics tools and ML models across Crop Protection Research.

You will collaborate with scientists to generate insights from diverse omics datasets, build data workflows, and contribute to safer, more sustainable agricultural solutions at Jealott's Hill.

Qualifications

• MSc/PhD in computational biology, data science, natural sciences, or related discipline.
• Strong hands-on experience with Python and R for bioinformatics, data analysis, and visualisation.
• Experience with machine learning models and multi-omics data integration.
• Ability to work autonomously and communicate effectively with researchers across diverse disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply state-of-the-art computational methods to address key challenges in Crop Protection Bioscience.
• Design, test, and deploy data analysis tools, workflows, and modelling approaches using iterative, evidence-based methods.
• Communicate analytical results, insights, and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Guide scientists on data quality, integrity, and suitability for analysis.
• Collaborate across the Bioscience Digital team and wider R&D data community to share learning and drive innovation.
• Monitor external scientific and computational developments and identify opportunities for application within Bioscience.

Skills

Python

R

Machine learning

Data analysis

High-performance computing

Version control

Reproducible workflows

Education

MSc/PhD in computational biology or data science

Tools

Git

HPC

Job description

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.

Drive data-driven discovery in crop protection by applying advanced computational approaches to solve complex biological challenges.

In this role, you will collaborate with scientists across Crop Protection Research, developing and deploying bioinformatics tools, machine learning models, and data workflows that generate insights from diverse biological datasets—directly supporting the development of safer, more sustainable agricultural solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply state-of-the-art computational methods to address key challenges in Crop Protection Bioscience.
• Design, test, and deploy data analysis tools, workflows, and modelling approaches using iterative, evidence-based methods.
• Communicate analytical results, insights, and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Guide scientists on data quality, integrity, and suitability for analysis.
• Collaborate across the Bioscience Digital team and wider R&D data community to share learning and drive innovation.
• Monitor external scientific and computational developments and identify opportunities for application within Bioscience.
• MSc/PhD in computational biology, data science, natural sciences, or a related discipline, with a focus on data analysis, machine learning, or multi-omics data integration.
• Strong hands-on experience with Python and R for bioinformatics, data analysis, and visualisation.
• Confidence building, validating, and testing machine learning models.
• Experience with high-performance computing, version control systems, and reproducible digital workflows.
• Ability to work autonomously and communicate effectively with researchers across diverse scientific disciplines.
• Enthusiasm for innovation and solving complex biological problems through computational approaches.

Site Details

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.
• Flexible working
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.
• The opportunity to develop and apply your science within the chemical industry.
• The chance to work as part of a global team to address the current and future needs of the agricultural sector.
• 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