Microbiology Specialist

Purpose:

• Provide expert technical support, methodology and protocols to be used for testing microbiological products in seed treatment application.
• Develop measurement methods for the viability of living or dormant micro-organisms in seed treatment products and on treated seeds to check compatibility with co-applied products, application equipment and during seed storage.
• Provide technical consultancy and training and manage a central data collection to ensure a consistent service level across the global SCI laboratory network.
• Take responsibility for end-to-end methods for sampling, choice of equipment, extraction of microbiological material, quantification, analysis, and reporting, including formal validation reports, for all Seedcare recipes containing microbials in all crops globally.

Your responsibilities:

• Equip and manage a microbiology lab in the SCI building in Stein to meet all applicable quality and HSE standards, in collaboration with the Stein site management team.
• Define and lead cross-pillar projects within the SCI network to prepare for launch of biological products, in collaboration with Syngenta and partner commercial and R&D teams.
• Maintain an overview of the global Seedcare biological portfolio and pipeline and be able to biologically classify each product to train the SCI network and recommend test methods.
• Build and maintain a personal network of Syngenta and external experts on agricultural biological products, viability assessment technology and the competitor landscape of technical services for biological products.
• Innovate and create projects to improve the application of biological seed treatments, decrease viability drop or improve the customer experience.
• Deliver training and explain technical concepts in a clear and engaging way to visitors and internal colleagues.

As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter these threats and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all – while minimizing the use of land and other agricultural inputs. Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting.  From the moment a seed is planted through to harvest, crops need to be protected from weeds, insects and diseases as well as droughts and floods, heat and cold.

Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Switzerland.

In Crop Protection Research (CPR) Chemistry at the R&D Center in Stein AG, Switzerland, we focus on the design and synthesis of novel, sustainable products for healthy crops. We have an exciting opportunity for a talented researcher with a strong scientific background in chemistry to invent new active ingredients for crop protection and contribute to make agriculture more productive and sustainable. Join us at the cutting edge of science and innovation, where your growth is our priority.

• Masters or PhD in a biology field, preferably with a focus on microbiology
• Expert understanding of safe and effective handling of microbiological samples and assessing viability
• Good understanding of fermentation, processing and formulation.
• Basic or better knowledge of agronomy, agriculture and seed treatment is an advantage but can be learnt in-role.
• 3 or more years as a laboratory microbiologist or in a role requiring independent handling of micro-organisms. This can be as part of university studies.
• 1 or more years working independently on technical projects in cross-functional, international teams.
• Industrial experience, especially in microbiological processing and assessment, would be an advantage. This can be from the food, pharmaceutical or other industry.
• Fluent in English
• Basic or better German is an advantage

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

• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment
• A superb working environment at our Global Research Center in Stein with well-equipped laboratories with an open culture and diverse workforce
• 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
• You will profit from a competitive pension fund plan, attractive bonus system, onsite doctor, fitness room, canteen, and other benefits (Family friendly initiatives, Child and Family allowance…)

Interested? We look forward to receiving your online application including all relevant documents (cover letter, CV, diploma, certificates) – 18046401

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.