Research Biologist

Syngenta Crop Protection; Warfield; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Bonus scheme

Private medical & life insurance

Up to 31.5 days annual holiday

Job summary

Syngenta Crop Protection is seeking an Onsite Research Biologist at Jealott's Hill, UK, to carry out experimental work on herbicide resistance and seed biology using established and novel methods. You will manage seed biotypes, assist with planning spray tests, and work closely with the Platform lead to purify weed biotypes and seed lots.

The role requires strong plant biology knowledge, lab skills, and experience with data tools (Spotfire, Geneious).

Qualifications

• B.Sc. degree or equivalent with 5 years’ related experience (preferred).
• Demonstrates expertise and knowledge relating to the resistance research platform.
• Demonstrates expertise and in-depth knowledge in current research platform (3–5 years minimum).
• Strong knowledge of plant biology and herbicides as related to screening operations at Jealott's Hill; knowledge of weed control and agronomics is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of seed biology and germination methods.
• Good knowledge in plant genetics and herbicide resistance.
• Laboratory work capability: herbicide formulation and general lab techniques.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data capture programs used in screening operations.

Responsibilities

• Carry out experimental work using established and novel herbicide resistance methods.
• Maintain and purify Amaranthus biotypes to support resistant seed tests and ad-hoc tests for other screening platforms.
• Assist Platform lead with identification and purification of new weed biotypes and seed lots.
• Use BioME database to manage seed inventory; visualize resistance seed data with Spotfire and genomic data with Geneious.
• Assist with planning and delivering plant units for spray tests; monitor glasshouse conditions for plant health.

Skills

Plant biology

Herbicides

Seed biology

Germination methods

Plant genetics

Lab techniques

Data capture programs

Microsoft Office

Education

B.Sc. degree or equivalent

Tools

Geneious

Spotfire

BioME database

Job description

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.

Job Description

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 OnsiteResearch 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.

Qualifications

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)

Additional Information

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.

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