Research Biologist

Syngenta Group; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural research firm is seeking a full-time Research Biologist based in Bracknell, UK. This role focuses on the production and maintenance of plant materials for Crop Protection Research. Responsibilities include safety compliance, seed processing, and contributing to research projects. Candidates should have a degree or A levels in Horticulture or Scientific research. The role offers a generous benefits package including annual leave and pension plans in a stimulating work environment.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Bonus scheme

Private medical insurance

Life insurance

31.5 days annual holiday

Vibrant growth and learning culture

Qualifications

• Degree or A levels with experience in Horticulture/Scientific research.
• Knowledge of seed biology and germination methods.
• Self-motivated team player with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Production and maintenance of plant materials for research.
• Assisting with the processing of seeds.
• Contributing to safety and compliance in research environments.

Skills

Laboratory Experience

Bioinformatics

DNA Isolation

Genetics

PCR

R

Biochemistry

Next Generation Sequencing

Cell Culture

Molecular Biology

Education

Degree or A levels in Horticulture/Scientific Research

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Biologist to support Crop Protection Research (CPR) by producing and maintaining Plant material and seeds for use in chemical screening research. You will be part of Seed Supply and Early Profiling Screen (EPS) Operations within Technical Support Weed Control Team playing a pivotal role in the invention and development process for new active ingredients while providing technical support for our existing range of pesticide products. Key responsibilities will include:

• Carrying out day-to-day production and maintenance of plant materials to a standard that meets customers requirements.
• Developing technical knowledge and skills through experience of a wide range of production techniques and seed treatment.
• Assisting with the processing of seeds using appropriate equipment to ensure seed quality and supply is maintained.
• Planning and ensuring delivery of protocols primarily for the EPS platform but also be able to cover other areas within the team.
• Gaining knowledge of relevant Weed Control Research (WCR) projects associated with planning the EPS platform.
• Contributing to safety performance by maintaining a clean and safe personal working environment complying with all safety procedures and HSE regulations.
• Ensuring compliance by self and others with DEFRA CBD QMS and HSE regulations in glasshouses growthrooms and labs.
• Demonstrating accountability and precision in work execution while maintaining accurate records and databases.
• Taking initiative in projects problem-solving and team training while contributing valuable ideas in operations.
• Building strong cross-functional relationships to ensure high customer satisfaction and operational excellence while demonstrating strong work ethic and consistency.

Qualifications

What we are looking for

• Degree or A levels with solid experience in Horticulture/Scientific research is preferred with knowledge of Horticultural and/or Seed supply and general weed science.
• Knowledge of seed biology and germination methods with basic knowledge in plant genetics.
• Experience in seed production and general plant production techniques would be an advantage.
• Detail‑oriented professional with strong analytical and organizational abilities.
• Self‑motivated team player with excellent communication and adaptability skills.
• Proactive problem‑solver committed to improve WOWs.

Additional Information

Application process

Due to exceptionally high interest in this position we will only consider applications that include a covering letter explaining your motivation and suitability for the role. Please upload your CV and write your cover letter in the Message to the Hiring Team section on the application page or attach it along with your CV.

Our site

Jealotts 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. Jealotts 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.
• Campus environment.
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.
• The chance to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees.
• 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 colour 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: Hill has Disability Confident certification.

We are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to all candidates and our Jealotts 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.

Remote Work

No

Employment Type

Full‑time

Key Skills

Laboratory Experience, Transfection, Bioinformatics, DNA Isolation, Genetics, PCR, R, Biochemistry, Next Generation Sequencing, Cell Culture, Molecular Biology, Research Laboratory Experience

Experience: years Vacancy: 1