Senior Scientist – Plant Pathology & Nematode Resistance (Flexible)

Syngenta-Group; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefit Package

401k plan with company match

Paid Vacation & Holidays

Job summary

Syngenta Seeds Field Crops in Durham, NC is seeking a Senior Scientist to establish high throughput bioassays for multiple pathogens, including plant parasitic nematodes, in lab and greenhouse environments. The role drives discovery, development, and delivery of biotech disease-resistant traits through hands-on experiments with cross-functional collaboration.

Accountabilities include designing and analyzing experiments, leading disease screening, and delivering data-driven recommendations to

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Nematology, Genetics, Genomics, or a related scientific field.
• 4+ years of experience in crop resistance research focused on plant parasitic nematodes.
• Strong knowledge of molecular plant immunity, crop genetics, and plant pathology.
• Hands-on experience conducting laboratory, greenhouse, and field research studies.
• Experience designing, executing, and interpreting complex scientific experiments.
• Proven ability to solve scientific challenges using data-driven approaches and innovative thinking.
• Expertise in nematode production, infection assays, phenotyping, and data analysis.
• Experience managing research projects and delivering results within established timelines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present scientific findings to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze lab, greenhouse, and field experiments to evaluate crop resistance and tolerance to plant diseases, including soybean cyst nematode.
• Lead disease screening activities, including inoculum collection, culture maintenance, inoculation, disease assessment, and data reporting.
• Drive the discovery and development of innovative traits and solutions that address critical disease challenges in agriculture.
• Develop and validate disease resistance and susceptibility correlations across multiple environments and testing systems.
• Generate hypotheses, design experiments, and provide data-driven recommendations to advance research and breeding objectives.
• Serve as a plant pathology and nematology subject matter expert, identifying and implementing best practices, new technologies, and scientific advancements.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to communicate results, influence key decisions, and deliver solutions that meet grower and business needs.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Nematology, Genetics, Genomics, or related field

Tools

Lab equipment

Data analysis software

Job description

Syngenta Seeds Field Crops in Durham, NC is seeking a Senior Scientist to establish high throughput bioassays for multiple pathogens, including plant parasitic nematodes, in lab and greenhouse environments. The role drives discovery, development, and delivery of biotech disease-resistant traits through hands-on experiments with cross-functional collaboration.

Accountabilities include designing and analyzing experiments, leading disease screening, and delivering data-driven recommendations to