Biocatalysis Principal Scientist

Role Purpose

• Deliver biotransformation services and innovation which has demonstrable business impact across projects, Chemistry and strategically important areas e.g. process chemistry, metabolite synthesis & discovery
• Building biocatalysis expertise throughout global chemistry, embracing a continuous growth and development mindset
• Partnering with functions across Syngenta (e.g. Biologicals, bioscience, PTAI) to create a synergistic biocatalysis environment across Crop Protection

Qualifications and Requirements

• PhD within Chemistry, Biochemistry or equivalent field
• Proficient in organic synthesis and route design
• Digital skills, including demonstratable experience in software packages such as Microsoft Office, analytical tools such as Spotfire (or equivalent).
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage with a broad customer base
• Ideally, the candidate would have at least one to two years of relevant industrial experience

Key Accountabilities, Behaviours and Skills

Excellence in Science

• Proficient in organic synthesis and able to work with a project matrix of scientists to identify opportunities for biocatalysis in synthetic route design
• Optimize the use of enzymes in synthesis
• Carry out biocatalytic reactions on a range of scales including the isolation of product compounds
• Use of screening technologies, including automation, for discovery and optimisation of biocatalysed reactions
• Reaction monitoring including the development of appropriate assays (e.g. UPLC, LC/MS) to detect intermediates and products
• Techno-economic profiling of biosynthesis approaches
• Able to partner with Protein Science colleagues to enable enzyme expression, Protein purification and characterization
• Techno-economic profiling of biosynthesis approaches
• Help build a new and exciting technology platform to meet the organisation’s strategic goals

Collaboration

• Ability to develop strong internal networks across Chemistry, Bioscience and collaborators across R&D in order to ensure that we continue to meet business requirements in an efficient and effective way.
• Develop own network of contacts and collaborators across functions, sites, product lines, collaborating with internal experts across scientific disciplines

Digital and Data Mindset

• Apply a “digital and data mindset” by understanding and applying the principles of Syngenta’s digital vision, ensuring the biocatalysis environment delivers in accordance with this framework.
• Champion a FAIR culture, capturing and analysing data in this way to maximise the delivery of biocatalysis capabilities and ensure a data-joined culture across functions.
• Think expansively about how digital innovation will shape the future of biocatalysis internally and externally. Embed as an integral aspect of the growth strategy.

Key Behaviours

• Innovative, creative, and open to new approaches
• Proactively identifies, promotes, and delivers areas for change with collaborative mindset
• Mentors and develops colleagues in own areas of expertise and acts as a role model for others

Why join Syngenta?

• A commitment to innovation
• Leading edge technology
• Competitive salary and benefits scheme including bonus, healthcare & generous pension
• Flexible working hours
• 31.5 days annual holiday
• Vibrant R&D focused workforce with wide and varied social communities to join

We embrace and encourage diversity, and this is what drives our innovation and lets us outperform the market. https://www.syngenta.com/careers/working-syngenta/diversity-and-inclusion

Did you know? Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. 

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Syngenta is leading science-based ag-tech company; dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture.

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.

Biocatalysis Chemistry, Principal Scientist – an exciting opportunity to help Syngenta build a biotechnology synthesis platform for the discovery and development of the next generation crop protection products. In this practical role, you will be working primarily in the R&D chemistry laboratories at Jealotts Hill.

Skills of interest would include the use of Biocatalysis (enzymes and/or microorganisms) for screening and optimisation of chemical transformations. This individual would need to be entrepreneurial and highly collaborative with the role involving international and cross-functional customers and delivery partners.