Automation Specialist

The Bioscience Automation Team is looking for a driven and innovative automation specialist, to collaborate daily with scientists across the business, enabling them to make the most of our growing automation platform to approach new challenges. You will contribute to solving those challenges with creative and novel approaches, setting up automated workflows and participate in cross-disciplinary projects working with a diverse range of colleagues, providing technical expertise for ensuring the delivery of business relevant solutions. Responsibilities will include;

• Writing, developing, testing and troubleshooting workflows on our Tecan Evo liquid handler.
• Working with scientists to translate manual process into automated workflows.
• Maintaining, fault-finding and resolving issues on the liquid handler.
• Supporting and training scientists to run and make minor modifications to their workflows.
• Creating SOPs for others to follow.
• Contributing to the selection of new automation equipment.
• Helping Syngenta move towards the lab of the future.

What are we looking for?

• Experienced in a similar automation role, ideally within a lab environment.
• Ability to write, develop, test and troubleshoot workflows on a liquid handler, preferably a Tecan Evo.
• Ability to work with scientists to translate manual processes to automated workflows, supporting and training scientists to use the automation platform.
• Excellent attention to detail, highly organised and able to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Possess good written and verbal communication skills with an ability to work in multi-functional teams.

Desired skills

• MSc (or equivalent experience) in a science or engineering discipline.
• Experience with integrating & automating lab equipment.
• Familiar with programming/coding, maybe in Python, C++, C#, R, SQL.
• Experience with IOT devices, microcontrollers, SBCs or device integration.
• Experience with Synthace.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE).
• Experience in image analysis.

Syngenta Crop Protection is a leader in agricultural innovation, bringing breakthrough technologies and solutions that enable farmers to grow productively and sustainably. We offer a leading portfolio of crop protection solutions for plant and soil health, as well as digital solutions that transform the decision-making capabilities of farmers. Our 17,900 employees serve to advance agriculture in more than 90 countries around the world. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and is part of the Syngenta Group.

Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.

Jealott's Hill International Research Centre UK is situated in pleasant semi-rural surroundings between Bracknell and Maidenhead and is the place of work for approximately 800 Syngenta scientists and support staff. Jealott’s Hill is one of the main global research and development sites and key activities include research into discovery of new active ingredients, new formulation technologies, product safety and technical support of our product range.

What we offer:

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
• 31.5 days annual holiday.
• Interaction with external researchers and opportunities to represent Syngenta in research networks, collaborations and conferences.
• Good onsite facilities including a staff restaurant, a gym and fitness classes.
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.  
• The opportunity to develop and apply your science within the chemical industry.
• The chance to work as part of a global team to address the current and future needs of the agricultural sector.
• Learning culture and wide range of training options.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top 5 employer and number 1 in agriculture by Science Journal.

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. Learn more about our D&I initiatives here: https://www.syngenta.com/careers/working-syngenta/diversity-and-inclusion

Jealott’s Hill has Disability Confident certification.

We are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to all candidates and our Jealott’s Hill site are a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application and we will do everything we can to support you.