Senior Scientist I Team Leader

Syngenta; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Medical, Dental & Vision

401k with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Syngenta Seeds Field Crops in Durham, NC seeks a Senior Scientist to lead a team focused on transgenic event generation and advanced crop genetic engineering. You will advance Syngenta’s genetic engineering technologies to support GM and GE crop development with speed, efficiency, and scientific rigor.

You will develop new methods and protocols, integrate emerging technologies, and guide high-quality trait research and development programs while collaborating with partners to accelerate

Qualifications

• PhD with 6+ years in plant molecular biology and genetic engineering.
• Proven experience leading a research team.
• Experience with genomics and gene editing.
• Strong publication or patent record.

Responsibilities

• Leads a team of scientists in transgenic event generation and genetic engineering.
• Designs and delivers studies defined by group or supervisor.
• Develops new methods and protocols and introduces new technologies.
• Implements changes to protocols or systems as needed.
• Delivers results in fast-changing environments.
• Improves capabilities, processes, or services.
• Contributes to product, process or service improvements.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Education

PhD in plant molecular biology

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.

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

This role is responsible for leading a team of scientists focused on transgenic event generation and the development of innovative crop genetic engineering capabilities to enhance major field crops. As a key leader within the organization, the position advances Syngenta’s genetic engineering technologies that support both genetically modified (GM) and genome-edited (GE) crop development, while driving the creation and implementation of novel approaches that deliver high-quality trait products with speed, efficiency, and scientific rigor. The Senior Scientist applies advanced scientific principles and state-of-the-art technologies to develop new genome engineering and transgene expression solutions that strengthen biotech trait research and development programs. Additionally, the role is responsible for developing new methods and protocols, integrating emerging technologies, and continuously improving the team's capabilities and operational efficiency to accelerate innovation and product advancement.

Accountabilities

• Leads a team of scientists in transgenic event generation and the development of novel crop genetic engineering capabilities for improvement of major field crops
• Provides scientific expertise and leadership required to design and deliver studies defined by a group, project, or supervisor.
• Develops new methods and protocols and brings new cellular and molecular technologies to improve function capability and efficiency
• Be responsible for initiating, evaluating, and implementing changes to established protocols or systems
• Delivers results in fast changing business and/or regulatory environments
• Uses best practices and knowledge to improve capabilies, process or service
• Contributes to product, process or service improvements

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree with 6+ years of hands‑on experience in plant molecular biology and genetic engineering or related biotechnology experience
• Experience in leading a team in research operation environment
• Experience in working with research collaborators and partners
• Experience in genomics, molecular biology and gene editing technologies
• Excellent track record of delivering research and innovation through journal publications or patent applications

Desired Qualifications

• Rich experience in recombinant DNA technology, cellular biology, microbiology, genome editing, plant transformation
• Excellent experience in plant development, plant physiology, plant breeding, genetics, applied genomics, biochemistry and agricultural biotechnology
• Excellent analytical and communication skills in interpreting and presenting study results
• Proficiency in use of standard software (e.g., Excel and PowerPoint); familiarity with applied genomics tools, bioinformatics tools, NGS analysis and DNA manipulation software
• Demonstrated experience in leading a dynamic technical team
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability in the context of recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering technology development
• Flexibility in handling new job assignments and achieve results in a rapidly changing work environment
• Communicate effectively with individuals across the organization and across business units; strong collaboration skills and ability to influence without authority
• Ability to lead technology development independently, deliver high-quality results with data‑driven interpretation and work in a fast‑changing environment with dynamic priority shifting

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.

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