Modelling Platform Science Lead

About this opportunity: Help drive the invention of safe and sustainable active ingredients by leading a state-of-the-art predictive modelling platform in R&D.

At Syngenta Crop Protection, there has been significant focus and investment in predictive science and digital transformation throughout our research and development pipeline. From exploiting new digital technologies in the lab to extracting maximum value from existing knowledge, data- and model-driven decision making are changing the way we do science and develop new solutions for sustainable food production. As a result, we have recently built a predictive modelling platform, PRIME, with a focus on data-driven modelling and supporting the full model life cycle across a wide range of application areas in R&D.

As a modeling platform science lead, you are accountable for the overall success of the platform, providing strategic direction and guiding technical and scientific governance aspects. With your knowledge of data science and predictive modelling, you will act as a key bridge between the R&D expert modelling community and R&D IT, working closely with the IT team to set priorities and ensure the platform remains fit for purpose for changing scientific needs. You will provide hands-on support to diverse modeling communities across R&D and develop ways of working as the platform expands, from defining best practices on coding conventions and model governance to setting community standards for model deployment in the platform.

Working alongside multidisciplinary project teams across R&D, you will identify new opportunities where model deployment at scale can add value, bringing new user communities onto the platform and connect with people from different areas of science. In the role, you also explore, prototype and test new technologies for model building and validation, e.g. analytical tools, machine learning frameworks and statistical methods, and work with the platform team to solve challenges and integrate new capabilities. As a science lead, you would also monitor new developments in the field and maintain awareness of approaches taken by other companies, vendors, and academia – ensuring our predictive science remains cutting edge and contributes to the success of the organization.

Building on your passion for science and innovation, you will join an active network of data science practitioners across Syngenta to champion the use of predictive models and digital thinking. 

• Background in predictive modelling in the physical or life sciences at a postgraduate level
• Prior wet-lab experience (e.g. biology, chemistry, toxicology, environmental science) is a plus
• Experience working in an academic or industrial R&D setting
• Strong Python skills and familiarity with standard data science tooling for data-driven modelling / machine learning
• Understanding of the model lifecycle and tools to manage it, as well as technical aspects such as deployment, containerization/virtualization, and handling metadata. Experience with DataIKU/DSS is a plus, but not essential
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, adaptability to different business challenges and openness to new solutions and different ways of working
• Curiosity and ability to acquire domain knowledge in adjacent scientific areas to effectively work across internal teams and quickly get up to speed with different modelling approaches
• Understanding of mathematical/mechanistic modelling is a plus

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

• 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…)  
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment   
• 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  

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.  

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

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