Research Scientist

Syngenta; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k with company match

Profit sharing

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Maternity and paternity leave

Education assistance

Wellness programs

Corporate discounts

Job summary

Syngenta Seeds Field Crops in Durham is seeking a Scientist to join the insectary control program, focusing on plant-based evaluations of GM/GE crop plants within our biotechnology platforms. You will execute plant bioassays and gene efficacy evaluation experiments in greenhouse and growth chambers to support the development of innovative crop solutions.

The successful candidate will collaborate across scientists and cross-functional teams to generate, analyze, and communicate comprehensive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Entomology, Agronomy, Biology, Biotechnology, or related field.
• Experience with plant-based research, bioassays, or controlled environment experiments in greenhouse and/or growth chambers.
• Knowledge of plant biology and insect-plant interactions and biotech research methodologies.
• Strong data collection, analysis and documentation skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams and communicate findings clearly.
• Commitment to Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) policies and procedures.
• Desired: GM/GE crop experience, Argus familiarity, insectary operations, experimental design and data visualization.

Responsibilities

• Recognize greenhouse problems early and collaborate with others to solve them.
• Work within a team to implement insect bioassay protocols.
• Data focused data collection, management, analysis, and reporting.
• Perform routine activities including planting, watering, tissue sampling, pollination, harvesting, seed processing.
• Scout and apply pesticides and biologicals to control diseases and pests.
• Clear communication of work and results with supervisor and team.
• Must be able to work on a rotational basis as a weekend team member.

Skills

Plant biology

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Documentation

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Plant Science or related

Tools

Argus environmental control

Job description

Company Description

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities. We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture.

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities. We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture.

Job Description

The Scientist will serve as a key member of the insectary control program, focusing on plant-based evaluations of GM/GE crop plants within our biotechnology platforms. This role is responsible for executing plant bioassays and gene efficacy evaluation experiments in greenhouse and growth chamber environments to support the development and assessment of innovative crop solutions. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with scientists and cross-functional team members to generate, analyze, and communicate comprehensive experimental results that drive research objectives and informed decision-making. All activities will be conducted in accordance with Syngenta's Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies, ensuring the highest standards of safety, stewardship, and scientific excellence.

Accountabilities

• Recognize greenhouse problems early and collaborate with others to find solutions
• Work within a team to implement agreed upon insect bioassay protocols
• Data focused enabling efficient and accurate data collection, management, analyzation, and reporting
• Perform routine activities including planting, watering, tissue sampling, pollination, harvesting, seed processing
• Scout and apply pesticides and biologicals to control diseases and pests
• Clear communication of work and results with supervisor and team
• Must be able to work on a rotational basis as a weekend team member

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Entomology, Agronomy, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience conducting plant-based research, bioassays, or controlled environment experiments in greenhouse and/or growth chamber settings.
• Knowledge of plant biology, insect-plant interactions, and biotechnology research methodologies.
• Strong data collection, analysis, and documentation skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary scientific teams and communicate research findings clearly.
• Commitment to working safely and adhering to Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies and procedures.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with genetically modified (GM) or gene-edited (GE) crop plants in a research environment.
• Familiar with the environmental control and automation system such as Argus.
• Knowledge of insectary operations, insect rearing, or insect resistance management programs.
• Proficiency with experimental design, statistical analysis, and data visualization tools.
• Experience supporting product development, trait evaluation, or gene efficacy testing within agricultural biotechnology.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced research environment.

Additional Information

What We Offer

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI

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.