Vector Construction Senior Scientist

Syngenta; Durham, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Medical, Dental & Vision benefits

401k with company match

Paid vacation & holidays

Education assistance

Job summary

Syngenta is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead molecular biology, vector construction, and trait development within the Seeds Research R&D organization. You will design constructs, develop high-throughput cloning workflows, and deliver vectors enabling GM and GE trait pipelines while mentoring junior scientists and driving automation-enabled progress.

The role requires PhD-level expertise in plant biology or related field, with leadership experience and a strong track record in trait technology

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with 5+ years of industrial research leadership in trait technology.
• Deep knowledge of plant biology, physiology, and genetics in corn and/or soy.
• Experience with GM trait discovery and development.
• Strong technical leadership and collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
• Fluency in English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Develop cloning strategies and vectors for GM/GE trait pipelines.
• Lead HTP cloning platforms and workflows to accelerate research.
• Drive automation adoption, data tools, and quality improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design constructs.
• Apply gene expression and vector design to optimize performance.
• Evaluate new molecular biology technologies and protocols.
• Mentor junior scientists and maintain high-quality records.
• Maintain records, sequence analysis, and contribute to LIMS improvements.

Skills

Scientific leadership

English fluency

Mentoring

Automation adoption

Education

PhD in Plant Biology / Genetics / Biotechnology

Master’s degree + 8+ years experience

Tools

LIMS

Job description

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops,we'reshaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel.We’rea 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

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist with expertise in molecular biology, vector construction, gene expression, and trait development to join the Seeds Research R&D organization. In this role, you will leverage cutting-edge molecular and automation technologies to design constructs, develop and optimize high-throughput (HTP) cloning workflows, and deliver high-quality vectors that enable genetically modified (GM) and genome-edited (GE) trait development pipelines. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, drive innovation in automation-enabled workflows, and contribute to the development and mentoring of junior scientists across the team.

Accountabilities:

• Develop effective molecular cloning strategies and deliver high-quality vectors in support of genetically modified (GM), genome editing (GE), and trait development pipelines.
• Lead the development and implementation of high-throughput (HTP) cloning platforms, technologies, and workflows to accelerate research and product advancement.
• Drive adoption of laboratory automation, digital tools, and data-driven solutions to improve throughput, quality, efficiency, and reproducibility.
• Partner with trait, gene expression, genome editing, bioinformatics, transformation, and project teams to design constructs and provide vector construction leadership for key projects.
• Apply expertise in gene expression, regulatory elements, and vector design to optimize construct performance and support trait validation and advancement.
• Evaluate, develop, and implement new molecular biology technologies, methodologies, and protocols that enhance vector construction capabilities and pipeline delivery.
• Mentor, train, and develop junior scientists and associates while promoting scientific excellence, standardized methodologies, and laboratory best practices.
• Maintain high-quality scientific records, perform sequence analysis, and contribute to data management systems, LIMS enhancements, and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• PhD in Plant Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline with 5+ years of progressive industrial research experience or Master’s Degree with 8+ years of experience and demonstrated scientific leadership of complex trait technology programs
• Excellent knowledge leveraging plant biology/physiology and genetics, particularly in corn and/or soy
• GM herbicide and insect control trait discovery and development
• Strong technical leadership with a team-oriented natural way of working
• Fluency in English language both written and orally

Desired Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience conducting experiments in wet lab, controlled growth and/or field environments
• 8+ years of experience applying state-of-the-art omics and/or genetics technologies to identify genes affecting Biotech traits.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing high-throughput cloning platforms and molecular biology workflows in a research or product development environment.
• Proven experience delivering complex cloning and vector construction projects in support of GM, genome editing, and trait development programs.
• Experience applying gene expression and molecular biology principles to construct design, trait evaluation, and technology development.
• Track record of identifying, evaluating, and implementing new technologies that improve scientific capability, throughput, and operational efficiency.
• Experience working effectively in multidisciplinary and highly matrixed research organizations.
• Demonstrated success leading projects, influencing scientific direction, and driving cross-functional decision making.
• Experience mentoring, training, and developing junior scientists and technical staff.
• Experience leveraging automation, data analysis, and digital solutions to improve laboratory performance and research outcomes.

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,promotionor any other employment practices for reasons ofrace, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

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