Principal Scientist I - Analytical Bioscience

• You will provide technical specialist input into R&D goals and make a tangible contribution towards Syngenta purpose of enabling growers to provide healthy, high-quality food safely and sustainably.
• Engage with a community of highly skilled scientists to solve novel challenges and collaborate to provide innovations to Syngenta’s research portfolio.
• Provide key support to our suite of high-resolution mass spectrometry equipment, and their application for qualitative and quantitative analysis of small molecules in various biological matrices.
• You will be an expert in high-resolution LC-MS instrumentation for small molecule analysis. Utilising technical skills to maximise the value that our in-house systems can deliver, whilst also being responsible for the continued good operational performance of the systems for generation of data

Accountabilities

• Management of Orbitrap LC-MS instrumentation: User access, Instrument cleaning, calibration, performance testing and data backup.
• Provide technical expertise (e.g., Analytical method development, data interpretation, input into experiment design) and instrument troubleshooting for small molecule LC-MS workflows. In each case providing solutions or taking responsibility to escalate issues to ensure they are resolved.
• Use LC-MS expertise to provide training and guidance to instrument users. Empowering them with the skills to autonomously generate data from their experiments.
• Responsible for lab operations; through implementation of lab HSE, ordering of necessary consumables, and communication of operational updates to users and wider stakeholders
• Proactively identify opportunities to help improve operational flexibility, efficiency, overall effectiveness, or other related lab innovations.
• Contribute toward the digitisation of analytical sciences at Syngenta.
• Collaborate with fellow Bioscientists to understand needs and align the analytical method development approach, ensuring the most efficient and effective use of our instrumentation, and the generation of impactful data.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

Key knowledge

• MSc or PhD in Chemistry, Analytical chemistry, or related fields.
• Mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, analytical method development.

Key experience

• Practical use of LC-MS systems, especially for small molecule applications.
• Previous experience with high-resolution mass spectrometers (e.g. Orbitrap).
• Previous responsibility for key laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience with troubleshooting, diagnosing and fixing issues related to LC-MS instrumentation and technical measurement challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to relay scientific information (discussion, reports & presentations) in a manner appropriate to the customer/audience.
• IT skills: including experience in using scientific literature search tools and information databases.

Key technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Excellent communication skills and an approachable nature.
• Responsible, reliable, and able to work autonomously.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and summarize data.
• Enjoys problem solving and takes initiative in finding solutions.
• Openness and honesty.
• Flexibility to work as part of a team.

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Research and develop new and innovative methods.
• Identify problems and implement solutions.
• Ability to work on multiple, complex projects, providing robust and accurate data to agreed deadlines.

In return for your skills and knowledge Syngenta will offer:

• Competitive benefits package including opportunities for flexible working.
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
• Interaction with external researchers and opportunities to represent Syngenta in research networks, collaborations and conferences.
• Good onsite facilities including a staff restaurant, a gym and fitness classes.
• Campus environment based at Jealott’s Hill located in the Berkshire countryside between Bracknell and Maidenhead.
• Great opportunities for personal and career development.
• A modern, stimulating and dynamic working environment which promotes diversity and inclusion, scientific excellence and collaboration.
• A job and responsibilities with purpose at state-of-the-art facilities within a world class R&D campus site.

Hybrid working, allowing some working from home. Part-time and/or flexible working also available.

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 agritech company; dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 employees in more than 100 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

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 discovery and research of novel chemical active ingredients, biocontrol products, formulation technologies, with related product safety and technical support of our product range and seeds research.