Senior Scientist, Plant Pathology & Nematology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Full Benefits Package

401k with company match

Job summary

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

The candidate will lead disease screening activities, develop hypotheses, and communicate results to influence breeding objectives within a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team.

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 laboratory, 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

Plant pathology

Nematology

Molecular plant immunity

Data analysis

Laboratory techniques

Education

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology or related scientific field

Job description

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

The candidate will lead disease screening activities, develop hypotheses, and communicate results to influence breeding objectives within a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team.