Senior Machine Learning Scientist

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

Job summary

A leading agricultural innovation firm in Bracknell is seeking a data scientist specialized in machine learning. This role involves developing predictive models and innovative solutions for agricultural challenges. The ideal candidate holds a PhD, has strong Python skills, and a passion for sustainability in agriculture. Competitive benefits and flexible working options are included.

Benefits

Extensive benefits package

Flexible working

Learning culture and wide range of training options

Qualifications

• Proven experience in developing machine learning models, particularly supervised learning and clustering.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with ML frameworks.
• Creative problem-solving mindset and ability to develop novel solutions.

Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing innovative machine learning solutions.
• Developing predictive models from structured historical data.
• Translating agricultural problems into data solutions.

Skills

Machine Learning

Data Analysis

Python

Statistical Analysis

Problem-Solving

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field

M.Sc. with extensive hands-on ML experience

Tools

scikit-learn

pandas

Git

AWS

Azure

SQL

Job description

Company 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!

Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for data scientists specialized in machine learning with interests in agriculture and environment, to join our Global Data Analytics and Predictive Science Team! Within this role you will be working within Global Product Biology and across R&D functions to bring new insights for active ingredient development by developing predictive models, while guiding design, optimization and development of novel crop protection solution. In this role, you will not only apply existing ML approaches but also develop innovative solutions to unique agricultural challenges that haven't been solved before. Key responsibilities will include:

• Designing and implementing innovative machine learning solutions to solve complex agricultural and environmental challenges that often require novel approaches.
• Developing and optimizing predictive models using structured historical cross-functional data from field trials, laboratory experiments, and environmental measurements.
• Translating agricultural/environmental problems into data science solutions in collaboration with domain experts.
• Supporting experimental design to ensure data suitability for modeling purposes.
• Working with IT teams on end-to-end ML projects from data preparation to model deployment and monitoring.
• Presenting insights and recommendations to stakeholders across different functions.
• Engaging with high-priority digital transformation projects to understand opportunities to accelerate the impact of data science for predictive field trialing.

Qualifications

What we are looking for?

• PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or related field (or M.Sc. with extensive hands-on ML experience).
• Proven experience in developing machine learning models, particularly:
  • Supervised learning (Random Forests, XGBoost, SVM etc.).
  • Clustering and dimensionality reduction.
  • Time series analysis.
  • Handling hierarchical/nested data structures.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with ML frameworks (scikit-learn, pandas, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to develop novel solutions beyond applying existing frameworks.
• Creative problem-solving mindset and ability to think outside standard approaches.
• Experience in adapting and modifying algorithms to suit specific problem requirements.
• Passion for emerging technologies, including Generative AI and other innovative approaches.
• Strong communication skills to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to visualize and story-tell with data to communicate results to parties with varying levels of technical proficiency.
• Interest in agriculture, environmental science, or related fields.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with version control (Git) and ML experiment tracking.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with experimental design or statistical analysis.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, etc.) and querying (e.g. SQL).

Additional Information

Additional locations in Europe (Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Poland) can be also considered.

Application & Recruitment Process

Due to exceptionally high interest in this position, we will only consider applications that include a covering letter explaining your motivation for the role and outlining your suitability. Upload your CV and write your cover letter in the “Message to the Hiring Team” section on the application page.

What we offer

• Extensive benefits package.
• Flexible working.
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.
• Learning culture and wide range of training options.

Syngenta has been ranked as atop 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