Senior Scientist I Team Leader

Syngenta; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 130,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits (Full Benefits)

Flexible work options

401k with company match

Paid vacation & holidays

Education assistance

Wellness programs

Corporate discounts

Maternity/paternity leave

Job summary

Syngenta Seeds Field Crops seeks a Senior Scientist to lead a team focused on transgenic event generation and advancing genome engineering for major crops. The role drives novel approaches that deliver rapid, high-quality trait products with scientific rigor.

The candidate will apply advanced techniques to strengthen biotech trait programs, develop new methods, and improve team capabilities, efficiency, and innovation while aligning with regulatory and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree with 6+ years in plant molecular biology and genetic engineering.
• Experience leading a team in a research operations environment.
• Experience working with research collaborators and partners.
• Experience in genomics, molecular biology and gene editing technologies.
• Strong track record of research outputs (publications or patents).

Responsibilities

• Leads a team of scientists in transgenic event generation and new crop genetic engineering capabilities.
• Provides scientific leadership to design and deliver studies defined by a group, project, or supervisor.
• Develops new methods and protocols using cellular and molecular technologies.
• Initiates, evaluating, and implementing changes to established protocols or systems.
• Delivers results in fast-changing business and/or regulatory environments.
• Uses best practices to improve capabilities, processes, or services.
• Contributes to product, process or service improvements.

Skills

Genomics

Molecular biology

Gene editing technologies

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Data interpretation

Education

Ph.D. in plant molecular biology/genetic engineering

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

NGS analysis tools

DNA manipulation software

Bioinformatics tools

Job 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

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 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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