Principal Scientist, Bioanalysis

Biological technologies are expected to deliver a significant contribution to the future of agriculture alongside conventional methods. Microbial biocontrols will play an important role as novel products for growers and to support this, we are looking for an expert bioanalyst who will focus on the application of analytical chemistry to the discovery and research for biocontrol products. From within the Structural Chemistry and Structural Biology group, the successful candidate will collaborate closely with Biologicals Research, Bioscience and Product Safety as well as other Research Chemistry teams. The primary objective is the detection, identification and quantification of useful metabolites within microbial organisms and the application of these data to decisions on advancement of research into these organisms as microbial biocontrols.

The successful candidate will:

• Establish a metabolite profiling platform using our existing high resolution accurate mass LC-MS systems, including a Thermo Orbitrap IDX to identify metabolites within research microbial organisms. This will involve detecting metabolites that might be undesirable as well as those that may be correlated with the activity of the organisms.
• Be involved in the development of bioanalysis going beyond metabolite profiling to complement our existing nucleic acid sequencing capability to ensure decisions can be made rapidly on the suitability of particular microbial organisms for further research.
• Collaborate with our metabolomics experts to conduct large scale metabolomics studies with biological extract material. This includes working closely with the Biologicals Research and Natural Product teams to prepare the extract material for analysis. Ensure the data generated from the platform adheres to the FAIR principles to enable long term value.
• Work with and support colleagues in natural product discovery who prepare samples for analysis.
• Develop alternative analysis methods for metabolite identification such as orthogonal chromatographic approaches and alternative ionisation for mass spectrometry.
• Contribute towards outsourcing projects with strategic partners to gain access to innovative technologies or additional capacity.
• Work closely with colleagues in Biologicals Research during the development of fermentation processes to ensure that microbial biocontrols are developed to meet the needs of product specifications.
• Have a keen and enquiring mindset, with ability to problem solve and work in a multidisciplinary environment to implement solutions.
• Prepare technical reports, present findings within project groups and be an active communicator within the wider Syngenta scientific community.

Education & experience required:

• Either a BSc or PhD involving metabolomics or small molecule structure elucidation.
• Experience in the use of extraction methods for generation of samples for metabolite profiling.
• Strong metabolite analysis skills and practical experience in mass spectrometry.
• Experience in the development of the computational and database tools for interpretation and storage of metabolite profiling data and derived data.
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary environment interacting with chemists and biologists is desirable.

Syngenta will offer:

• Competitive benefits package
• Up to 31.5 days holiday
• Large campus environment with good employee facilities including a site restaurant, gym, a variety of fitness classes, employee allotments, all-weather pitch and sports field

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 a leading science-based agri-tech 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.

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Jealott's Hill International Research Centre is situated in pleasant semi-rural surroundings between Bracknell and Maidenhead and is the place of work for approximately 800 Syngenta scientists and support staff. Jealott’s Hill is one of the main global research and development sites and key activities include research into discovery of new active ingredients, new formulation technologies, product safety, technical support of our product range and seeds research.