Human Safety Cell/Molecular Biologist

About this Job:

The Human Safety Cell Biologist will join a group in the Product Safety function with a focus on Research Predictive Science. We are developing a new in vitro approach to predict the potential for human safety concerns and bring these insights to the heart of the design, research and development of our new product innovations. The Human Safety Cell Biologist will support the Omics Data Generation Lead in evaluating, delivering, and implementing new technologies to aid new chemical projects’ design and prioritization decisions.

To succeed you will have practical expertise in cell biology to develop in vitro assays using a variety of cell systems or organotypic models. The role will suit a candidate looking to move out of the laboratory with an active interest on predictive toxicology, alternatives to animal testing, adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) and new approach methodologies (NAMs) such as in vitro assays for human health safety assessment. Alternatively, you could have experience of biomarker discovery and development. We are looking for a motivated and scientifically curious individual who also can consider the practicalities of deploying the approaches at a scale suitable for regular use in research projects. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team that develops a diverse range of novel in vitro and computational models for predicting the properties and behaviour of agrochemicals and biologicals across human, environmental and sustainability concerns to shape our future solutions for growers.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop Syngenta strategy in using cell models for toxicological assessment in chemical research and development.
• Deliver ideas and approaches to guide chemical design and selection against identified toxicological risks using cell models.
• Ensure high quality sample and data generation through effective communication with our research partners to help trouble shooting, provide support and technical advice.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of the state-of-the art multi-omics in vitro assays to support active ingredient (AI) development.
• Liaise with the Syngenta research community and external partners to develop and deliver high throughput in vitro screening campaigns.
• Contribute to the data interpretation and propose improvements to the experimental workflows and ways of working in collaboration with other members of the Syngenta research community (including experts within Product Safety, Chemistry and Biology).
• Liaise with the Syngenta research community and external partners to develop and deliver high throughput in vitro screening campaigns.

• Master's or PhD level (Biology, Toxicology, Genetics) (plus some work experience in addition to education) or equivalent industrial experience.
• Knowledge and hands-on, demonstrable experience of mammalian cell (e.g., 2D, primary, iPSC, 3D) culture/isolation techniques and developing cell-based assays.
• Experience in the development of in vitro models, as well as analytical methods and innovative technologies to provide mechanistic or decision-making data rapidly and efficiently for projects
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to quickly develop key relationships and to communicate within and across multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated ability to lead project inputs and to provide technical leadership.
• Ability to think creatively, connect concepts and work across different functional areas to bring together useful approaches and knowledge to achieve project outcomes.
• Keep abreast of current techniques/technologies and relevant scientific literature to help identify opportunities for improvement
• The ability to quickly learn and apply new skills

Desirable Skills:  If you have any of the following skills/areas of knowledge or experience, they could also be beneficial to the role

• Appreciation of data generation requirements for predictive models.
• Knowledge of ‘omics analytical pipelines (sequencing or mass spec based) and/or cell imaging-based techniques
• Knowledge of digital phenotyping and feature mapping and/or image analysis (image segmentation and measurement)
• Knowledge or experience of 3D or iPSC cell culture
• Knowledge or experience of NAMS (high-throughput in vitro screening and in silico methods) for safety assessment and their potential application for decision-making
• Knowledge of the toxicology risk assessment requirements and ideally pesticide regulations

Whilst this role offers a competitive base pay, at Syngenta we value total reward which includes the benefits we offer to our employees. We support well-being, offering comprehensive benefits including flexible working, generous holiday entitlement, discretionary bonus scheme, competitive pension scheme, private medical insurance, employee assistance programme.

• Campus environment
• Competitive benefits package
• Up to 31.5 days holiday
• The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees

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

About Syngenta

Syngenta is a leading science-based agtech company dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 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.