Associate Scientist

Syngenta Seeds; Enkhuizen; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Profit-sharing

Learning Edge access

EAP

25 vacation days

Vitality day

Pension plan

Travel allowance

Job summary

Syngenta Seeds in Enkhuizen is seeking an Associate Scientist for our QC Operations team. You will connect specialist testing, lab operations and global implementation to harmonize seed quality tests and onboard new methods.

You will collaborate with teams in Enkhuizen and international stakeholders to ensure testing methods are reliable, well documented, and continuously improved, so every seed delivers on our promise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or MSc in seed science or related field; PhD advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in a QC or laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in seed testing methods and lab workflows.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to communicate technical results clearly.
• Proactive, collaborative mindset across regions and functions.

Responsibilities

• Support HSE compliance and drive continuous improvement across QC testing activities.
• Act as the link between method development and routine lab operations by onboarding, validating, implementing and improving protocols.
• Work with specialist testing areas such as dust testing, ploidy analysis, SNP testing and UPLC.
• Contribute to global harmonization of tests by training colleagues, writing clear documentation and supporting implementation across regions, incl. US, Thailand, China and India.
• Take part in project and change management activities, including the implementation of a new LIMS system.
• Analyze data, communicate outcomes clearly — including difficult messages — and act as a mediator between breeders, cell biology teams, supply planners and order managers worldwide.

Skills

5+ years QC experience

Seed testing methods

Analytical communication

Cross-regional collaboration

Education

Seed Science & Technology degree (BSc/MSc)

PhD advantageous

Job description

Syngenta is a leading developer and producer of seeds. We bring farmers stronger, more vigorous, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture.

Job Description

At Syngenta, quality is built into everything we do. Not as a final check, but as a standard we live by. As an Associate Scientist in our QC Operations team in Enkhuizen, you are the connection between specialist testing, lab operations and global implementation. You help harmonize seed quality tests, support the onboarding of methods and colleagues, and contribute to projects such as new LIMS implementation. Working with teams in Enkhuizen and international stakeholders, you ensure our testing methods are reliable, well documented and continuously improving, so that every seed we deliver performs as promised. Are you ready to make quality your mission?

The challenge

• Support HSE compliance and drive continuous improvement across QC testing activities, with a strong focus on Purity and Analytical processes.
• Act as the link between method development and routine lab operations by onboarding, validating, implementing and improving protocols.
• Work with specialist testing areas such as dust testing, ploidy analysis, SNP testing and UPLC, depending on business priorities.
• Contribute to global harmonization of tests by training colleagues, writing clear documentation and supporting implementation across regions, including the US, Thailand, China and India.
• Take part in project and change management activities, including the implementation of a new LIMS system.
• Analyze data, communicate outcomes clearly — including difficult messages — and act as a mediator between stakeholders such as breeders, cell biology teams, supply planners and order managers worldwide.

Qualifications

Your profile

• Bachelor's or MSc in Seed Science & Technology, Biology, Plant Physiology, or a related scientific discipline; a PhD is an advantage.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in a QC or laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in seed testing methods and lab workflows, with strong troubleshooting and method optimization skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to communicate technical results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset; comfortable connecting across regions and functions to share best practices.

Additional Information

What We Offer

• The opportunity to receive an annual bonus and profit-sharing – we celebrate success together!
• Grow and thrive – unlimited access to Learning Edge, our online learning platform, where you can continuously develop yourself through various training programs and courses.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering free advice, coaching, and support in areas such as career development, emotional support, and legal or financial advice.
• 25 vacation days + 1 vitality day to recharge. From the age of 35, you will receive an extra vacation day every 5 years.
• An attractive pension plan – because your future matters to us.
• If you live more than 5 km away, you will receive a travel allowance of €0.23 per km, up to a maximum of 50 km one way.

Take your chance!

By joining our team, you will be part of a global network of scientists committed to delivering the highest seed quality standards. Your work will directly impact how Syngenta's vegetable seeds are tested, trusted, and delivered to growers worldwide.

At Syngenta, we believe in creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where all employees are valued and respected.