Data Architecture Lead

In Crop Protection R&D, we design and evolve cutting-edge data capabilities to allow us to access, connect, share and harness our R&D data at an unprecedented scale and pace. We cover a wide spectrum of data from Research (chemistry and biology research data) to open field IoT (environmental sensors, drones), NLP and image analysis. We believe in FAIR, shared and connected data products, empowered and data-savvy people, agile delivery and open source.

We are looking for an experienced lead data and information architect with outstanding technical and interpersonal skills. The right person is expected to play a key role in CR R&D-wide data transformation and innovation efforts, by architecting the data landscape, building data products for analytics and by designing data and information models to deliver value and fulfil the strategic data needs of R&D.

• Design/review conceptual, logical, and physical data and metadata models around our key master entities and data flows
• Design fit-for-purpose data products using suitable (e.g., Data Mesh/Data Fabric/Lakehouse) architectures for our industry-leading data platform
• Ensure architectural decisions and actions align with data management (data quality, catalogues, ontologies, master/reference data, access control, lineage) strategy and objectives
• Support with building, maintaining and governing data modelling principles, data standards, master data and ontologies
• Work with business and IT application/solution teams to define/implement architectural principles around data and information
• Collaborate with different data domains to ensure consistent application of data standards including metadata and data quality to support data excellence
• Consult with upstream teams to sustain and improve consistency of data standards and architectures – as and where appropriate – to improve data and solution interoperability
• Provide appropriate architectural design and principles for a robust and scalable data platform infrastructure
• Providing leadership, guidance & direction to team members to help others effective achieve their objectives.
• Supporting engineering teams in the adoption and creation of data architecture best practices
• Engage with multiple stakeholders effectively, communicate across R&D functions and IT
• Ensure business continuity and visibility by documenting and publishing up-to-date data architectural artefacts for relevant stakeholders
• Act as the business product owner for cross-functional data capabilities such as the management of master data, data quality, ontologies and data access platforms. 

• MSc or PhD in STEM or data-related sciences and engineering
• Ideally 7-10 years of experience working in data and informatics in life-sciences R&D organisations focusing on effective design and implementation of data architectures
• Excellent knowledge of data architecture, data modelling principles and FAIR data management concepts, such as modern databases, and big data platforms, data flow and process modelling, scientific data standards, data models and ontologies (e.g., ISO, SEND, NCBI, BAO, etc.), knowledge graphs, semantic integration, document mining and annotation etc.
• Excellent knowledge of tools for data architecture, data strategy and management in HPC and Cloud environments
• Deep technical understanding of R&D concepts and how scientific data is produced, harmonised and used
• Proven knowledge of scrum, agile, SAFe, and product management principles and methodology
• Outstanding team working and communication skills – especially to non-experts
• Highly organised and structured in planning and execution of responsibilities

Ownership of area of responsibility with a drive to implement effective solutions

Please send your complete application with CV and motivation letter.

We offer a variety of financial and non-financial benefits including: 

• A position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment 
• ​​​​​A superb working environment with an open culture and diverse workforce where new ideas are always welcome  
• The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees and gain scientific and technical excellence  
• Learning culture (Together we Grow) and wide range of training options  
• Competitive pension fund plan, attractive bonus system, onsite doctor, fitness room, canteen, and other benefits (Family friendly initiatives, Child and Family allowance…)  
• World-class headquarters in Basel, R&D Science Campus in Jealott’s Hill and the Global Research Center in Stein 

Did you know? Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer 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.  ​​​​​​​

Syngenta is a leading AgTech company, dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 employees in more than 100 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 now and help shape the future of agriculture. 

Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Switzerland.

This role can be based either in Basel, Switzerland or Jealott's Hill, UK.