Principal Scientist I, Resistance Research (m/f/d)

We are seeking an enthusiastic, innovative, and dedicated Principal Scientist to join our Resistance Research Group. In this dynamic role, you will conduct empirical and non-empirical research on crop protection resistance in various crop pests. Your work will be crucial in diagnosis and characterization of resistance enabling innovative resistance management solutions. You will drive essential tasks including phenotyping and genotyping resistance and developing advanced and innovative methodologies to enhance our research efficiency. This position offers excellent opportunities to develop leadership skills and take on increasing team responsibilities as you grow in the role. You will contribute to critical research in agricultural science while developing your expertise in a world-class research environment. Your dedication and creativity will be instrumental in tackling one of the most pressing challenges in modern agriculture, helping to ensure food security. 

Accountabilities: 

• Driving or supporting various research projects in close collaboration with different stakeholders in a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment. 
• Prioritizing, planning, and delivering your assignments in alignment with project timelines and KPIs. 
• Proposing, acquiring resources, and delivering strategic research and innovation projects  
• Contributing your skills and scientific background to projects and proactively gaining new expertise and skills necessary for success and growth in your role. 
• Demonstrating strong communication and collaboration skills when working with diverse stakeholders, including science leads, project managers, scientists, suppliers, end users, and external collaborators. Building effective working relationships across teams to ensure the goals are met in a positive, cooperative environment 
• Engaging in and contributing to digitalization initiatives, bioinformatic projects, and the development and implementation of data-related strategies 
• Widely recognised within the function as having expertise in an area of science, technology or of an experimental platform  
• Mentoring junior scientists in technical areas/non-technical areas.  
• Ensuring compliance with Syngenta HSE principles and standards including standards of ethical behaviour 
• Engaging in and contributing to organizing and delivering diverse activities and events at Syngenta.  

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.

Health Promotion Switzerland recognizes Syngenta's commitment to the health and well-being of its employees and awards the "Friendly Work Space" label to all its Swiss sites. At Syngenta, employee health and well-being are key to the company.

• PhD degree in Biology, Agricultural Science, Biochemistry, Entomology, Mycology, or related disciplines with a minimum of 2 years' post-graduate experience in crop protection or relevant industries. 
• Demonstrated independence in progressing scientific projects in one or multiple areas of expertise 
• A solid background in genetics and associated techniques in molecular biology (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, RT-qPCR, sequencing). 
• Experience and strong interest in phenotyping resistance in different organisms 
• Previous experience and strong interest in working with and culturing pest species such as fungi, insects, mites, and nematodes. 
• Experience and interest in digitalization, bioinformatics, data analysis, visualization, scientific writing, statistics, and relevant software such as R. 
• Passion for innovation, and proactive problem-solving. 
• Openness and eagerness to learn and contribute more every day, understanding of mutuality, and valuing good personal relationships as keys to success. 
• Effective communication, organization, and teamwork skills. 
• Fluency in English is essential

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 with an open culture and diverse workforce where new ideas are always welcome
• 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…)

Please send your complete application with CV, motivation letter, diploma and work certificates

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.