Scientist II

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Malta Township (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package (Medical, Dental

Vision

Paid vacation and holidays

Maternity/Paternity leave

Education assistance

Wellness programs

Corporate discounts

Job summary

Syngenta is seeking a Scientist for the Malta Genotyping lab to execute genotyping workflows, including DNA extraction, library preparation, PCR, and sequencing. The role includes documentation, inventory management, and equipment maintenance, with cross-regional collaboration and process improvement initiatives.

The candidate will interact with peers across regions, contribute to project goals, and support lab members and contractors in a fast-paced environment while ensuring data quality and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture/biology/genetics or related field.
• Solid understanding of basic laboratory procedures and equipment.
• Must be authorized to work for Syngenta in the United States without work authorization sponsorship.
• 2–5 years of experience in a professional laboratory preferred.
• Experience operating and maintaining laboratory equipment (e.g., Tecan, Biotek Multiflos, centrifuge, sequencers).
• Experience with chemical buffers is highly preferred.
• Previous DNA extraction or PCR experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare DNA libraries for sequencing.
• Perform PCR activities.
• Extract DNA from samples (leaf and/or seeds).
• Operate sample grinders and liquid handling machines; add buffers.
• Maintain organized test plates and track sample identity.
• Update tasks via LIMS.
• Learn project background and participate in meetings.
• Train and support lab members and contractors.
• Suggest and implement process improvements.
• Collaborate across teams to troubleshoot data quality issues.

Skills

DNA extraction

PCR

Library preparation

Sequencing

LIMS

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Biology, Genetics or related field

Tools

Tecan

Biotek Multiflos

centrifuge

sequencers

Job description

• Compensation: USD 64,000 - USD 96,000 - yearly

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.

Job Description

The Scientist in Malta Genotyping lab will execute protocols related to genotyping data generation in a state-of-the-art lab. The protocols could include DNA extraction, Library preparation, PCR, and sequencing. Support of documentation development and maintenance, and inventory consumable management.

The role also involves basic maintenance of lab equipment, lab process improvement review, and cost reduction efforts. The Scientist will interact with peers across the different regions where sample submitters and other genotyping labs are located.

Accountabilities:

• Prepare DNA libraries for sequencing
• Perform PCR activities
• Extracting DNA from samples: (Leaf and/or Seeds)
• Adding chemical buffers to sample plates, operating sample grinders, and liquid handling machines.
• Complete scheduled protocols within required time limit, keeping all test plates organized to maintain sample identity.
• Update tasks electronically via LIMS.
• Learn the background of experiments and plant breeding projects. Participate in meetings and share relevant information with others.
• Train and support lab members and contractors.
• Communicate and implement process improvement ideas.
• Fast-paced lab environment with accountability for quality and speed of lab work completed each day
• Function as a member of a diverse project team and successfully collaborate across teams to analyze and troubleshoot data quality issues.
• Additional job duties include but not limited to: unloading consumables (sample plates, tips for machines, chemicals, etc.) from pallets. Un-packaging consumables from boxes then place them in the proper lab spaces. Discarding unused seed materials. Autoclave materials as needed. Cleaning of lab ware. Keep laboratory space clean.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Biology, Genetics or related field required.
• Solid understanding of basic laboratory procedures and equipment
• Must be authorized to work for Syngenta in the United States without work authorization sponsorship
• Preferred Requirements
• 2 – 5 years of experience working in a professional laboratory preferred.
• Experience operating and providing general maintenance on the following laboratory equipment: (Tecan, Biotek Multiflos, centrifuge and sequencers) is highly preferred
• Experience working with chemical buffers highly preferred
• Previous DNA extraction or PCR experience highly preferred

Additional Information

What We Offer

• A culture that celebrates belonging & 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.
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

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.

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