Senior Data Scientist

Syngenta Crop Protection; Bracknell, Maidenhead; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension scheme

Private medical & life insurance

Flexible working

International environment

Job summary

Syngenta Crop Protection in the United Kingdom seeks a Senior Data Scientist – Predictive Science to shape modelling for Crop Protection R&D. You will develop machine-learning approaches and connect diverse scientific data with business decisions across multidisciplinary teams.

You will work autonomously on high-impact challenges, influence data strategy, and mentor junior scientists while collaborating with international researchers to accelerate insights. Fluent English required.

Qualifications

• Advanced academic background in data science or related quantitative field.
• Experience building ML/predictive models for biological or life-science outcomes.
• Strong Python and data-science tooling knowledge.
• Experience with model validation and interpreting predictive performance.
• Ability to translate findings into actionable insights and visuals.
• Experience collaborating with scientists and cross-disciplinary teams.
• Excellent analytical thinking and independent working ability.
• Strong communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate predictive models using diverse data sources.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance Crop Protection leads.
• Integrate data from laboratory, field trials and environmental datasets.
• Provide guidance on experimental design to improve data quality.
• Work with IT and software teams to deploy analytics applications.
• Explore multiscale modelling approaches and new methods.
• Monitor industry developments and assess new tools for adoption.
• Mentor junior data scientists and ensure robust documentation.
• Communicate analytical findings to non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Python

ML methods

Data visualization

English proficiency

Education

PhD in Data Science

MSc/MA in quantitative field

Tools

Pandas

Scikit-learn

TensorFlow

Job description

Job Description

Join our global analytics team within Product Biology & Sustainable Innovation and help shape the use of predictive science in Crop Protection R&D. As a Senior Data Scientist – Predictive Science, you will develop machine-learning and predictive-modelling approaches that guide the discovery, optimisation and development of Crop Protection solutions. You will connect diverse scientific data with business and R&D decision-making, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to generate robust insights and accelerate complex decisions. This role offers the opportunity to work autonomously on high-impact scientific challenges, influence modelling approaches and data strategy, and collaborate with experts across an international research environment.

What you will do

• Develop and validate predictive models based on historical, experimental and scientific data to support project and business decisions.


• Partner with multidisciplinary teams to support the discovery, optimisation and development of Crop Protection leads and product candidates.


• Integrate and analyse data from different sources, including physical chemistry, biokinetic, environmental, laboratory, glasshouse and field-trial data.


• Work with scientists to understand complex problems and identify opportunities where predictive modelling can create value.


• Provide guidance on experimental and field-trial design to improve data quality and enable effective modelling.


• Collaborate with R&D IT and software development teams to build data connections and deploy analytical or customer-facing applications.


• Investigate interdisciplinary and multiscale modelling approaches to address scientific challenges.


• Monitor relevant developments across industry, academia and technology providers, assessing new methods and tools for their potential application.


• Collaborate with external partners where relevant, integrating complementary expertise into projects and programmes.


• Contribute to data strategy through the effective connection and use of internal and external scientific data sources.


• Establish and track key performance indicators and success metrics for predictive modelling initiatives to demonstrate business impact.


• Mentor junior data scientists and analysts, fostering a culture of continuous learning and methodological excellence within the team.


• Ensure robust documentation of modelling approaches, assumptions and validation procedures to support reproducibility and knowledge transfer.


• Communicate complex analytical findings to non-technical stakeholders through clear visualisations and executive summaries.


• In the first months, you will build strong internal partnerships and Crop Protection domain knowledge, support active-ingredient projects using established modelling methods, and identify opportunities to accelerate the impact of predictive science.

Qualifications

Essential

• Advanced academic background in Data Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics or a related quantitative discipline; postgraduate education is strongly preferred


• Demonstrated experience developing machine-learning or predictive models for biological, scientific, agricultural, life-science or Crop Protection-related outcomes


• Strong knowledge of Python and relevant data science, analytics and modelling tools


• Strong understanding of model validation, robustness assessment and the interpretation of predictive-model performance


• Experience analysing complex datasets and translating findings into clear, actionable insights


• Experience collaborating with scientists, data scientists or technical specialists to solve complex problems


• Strong analytical thinking, creative problem-solving and intellectual curiosity


• Ability to work independently, manage priorities effectively and deliver work to a high standard of accuracy


• Strong communication skills, including data visualisation and storytelling for specialist and non-specialist audiences


• Professional proficiency in English

Preferred

• Academic or professional experience in biology, chemistry, ecology, environmental science, biokinetics or related scientific domains


• Experience working with laboratory, field-trial, environmental or other complex scientific datasets


• Experience with interdisciplinary or multiscale modelling approaches


• Experience collaborating with external partners, vendors, academic institutions, or R&D IT teams on data platforms and analytical applications

Key Capabilities

• Adaptability across different scientific questions, data types and analytical methods


• Ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively across functions


• Ownership, customer focus and the ability to influence through technical expertise

Additional Information

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