Principal Scientist - Biokinetics

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a a talented and versatile Principal Scientist to join our Bioperformance group opportunity to grow and lead in a dynamic, matrix organization focused on developing innovative insecticides. You will not only contribute your scientific expertise but also play a crucial leadership role, while being responsible for managing and developing team members, setting priorities, providing feedback, and offering development coaching. Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and contributing to various stages of the insecticide discovery pipeline, with a focus on enhancing the Bioperformance profile of insect control products.
• Fostering a positive team culture that prioritizes HSE, effective data management, and innovative thinking in insect control research.
• Applying entomological knowledge to develop and optimize novel insecticides, considering insect biology, behaviour, and resistance mechanisms.
• Develop expertise in ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) and metabolism studies, focusing on understanding the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of novel insecticides in target insects, beneficial insects, plants, and other relevant matrices to improve biological performance.
• Design and conduct bioassays to evaluate the efficacy of potential insecticides against various insect pests, including resistant populations.
• Collaborating with analytical teams on method development for insecticide detection and quantification in various samples, and interpret complex data to optimize insecticide candidates for enhanced Bioperformance.
• Working within a matrix structure, managing multiple projects and reporting lines, while fostering collaboration with cross-functional teams to achieve insect control research goals.

Syngenta Crop Protection is a leader in agricultural innovation, bringing breakthrough technologies and solutions that enable farmers to grow healthy and nutritious food while taking care of the planet. We offer a leading portfolio of crop protection solutions for plant and soil health, as well as digital solutions that transform the decision-making capabilities of farmers. Our 17,900 employees serve to advance agriculture in more than 90 countries around the world. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and is part of the Syngenta Group.

Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. Regardless of your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding an ever-increasing population while taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.

What we are looking for?

• Ph.D. in Entomology, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field relevant to insect control research and Bioperformance.
• Extensive experience in insecticide research or a related field, with the ability to manage and develop team members, while fostering a positive team culture.
• Strong understanding of insect biology, physiology, and behaviour, as well as crop protection discovery pipelines and factors influencing insecticide bioperformance.
• Experience in designing and conducting insect bioassays and interpreting results.
• Proven track record of scientific publications and presentations in fields related to entomology, insect control, and bioperformance.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, with experience in using relevant software tools.
• Proven ability to thrive in a matrix organization, managing multiple insecticide discovery projects, with the ability to influence across diverse functional areas.

Desired skills

• Experience with analytical techniques such as LC-MS/MS or HPLC.
• Familiarity with ADME concepts and their application in insecticide research and Bioperformance optimization.
• Experience in studies involving multiple biological matrices (e.g., insects, plants, soil, mammals) relevant to insecticide development.
• Knowledge of insecticide modes of action, resistance mechanisms, environmental fate, and factors affecting Bioperformance.
• Familiarity with computational tools, modelling techniques and the mindset to enable them.
• Strong project management skills and ability to navigate complex organizational structures in the context of insecticide development programs.

Our site

Jealott's Hill International Research Centre UK 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 and technical support of our product range.

What we offer

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.  
• The chance to work as part of a global team to address the current and future needs of the agricultural sector and help feed an ever-increasing population.
• A vibrant growth and learning culture and wide range of training options.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top 5 employer and number 1 in agriculture 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. Learn more about our D&I initiatives here: https://www.syngenta.com/careers/working-syngenta/diversity-and-inclusion

Jealott’s Hill has Disability Confident certification.

We are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to all candidates and our Jealott’s Hill site are a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application and we will do everything we can to support you.