Principal Scientist II- Herbicide Traits

At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, the Seeds Research, Disease and Herbicide Trait Discovery team is currently seeking a Principal Scientist II located in Durham, NC, based at our Research Triangle Park Innovation Center.

This will be both a strategic and technical role within our Seeds Research team. The ideal incumbent will possess deep understanding of the chemistry and chemical reactions within the pursuits of world class Disease and Herbicide Trait Discovery. 

Role purpose

The incumbent will lead Herbicide Tolerance Trait research activities including trait optimization and evaluation in controlled growth environment and field. Develop and apply novel genetic and plant phenotyping methods to support research and development projects. The selected individual will provide scientific leadership and drive innovation and execution within and across diverse functions, projects and/or networks in the areas plant-herbicide interactions, genetics, development and physiology.

Accountabilities

• Employ strategic and analytical thinking to develop and update strategies for each herbicide trait with solid understanding of corresponding chemistry
• Provide scientific and technical leadership to cross-functional teams comprised of members from Seeds Research, Seeds Development, Seeds Commercial, and Crop Protection Research
• Possess deep knowledge and extensive experience through training and working in conducting crop herbicide tolerance ratings in lab, GH and field environments.
• Lead multiple multi-disciplinary projects by working with cross functional teams
• Independently develop innovative herbicide trait phenotyping methods at the molecular, biochemical, tissue, plant and population level for corn, soy, and/or other key crops
• Perform wet-lab experiments to test hypothesis using surrogate assays to gather evidence for key herbicide traits
• Seek out, identify, communicate and encourage examples of best practice from internal and external sources of information
• Lead a technical team to deliver program and project activities

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Disciplined and rigorous approach to hypothesis-driven research, process improvement and change management
• Innovative mind-set combined with technical expertise
• Sound analytical and problem solving / solid IT skills
• Collaborative and effective ways of working in matrix organization
• Adhere to health, safety and environment standards
• Effective communication skills in English
• Ability for knowledge transfer to key stakeholders

Critical knowledge

• Ph.D. in weed science, plant genetics, physiology, or related field, and 4+ years professional experience in the areas of herbicide traits
• Excellent knowledge leveraging plant biology/physiology and genetics, particularly in corn and/or soy
• Experience in developing quantitative, trainable and scalable protocols by applying deep knowledge of genetics, experimental design, statistical analysis and fit-for-purpose plant phenotyping approaches
• GM Herbicide Trait discovery and development
• Strong technical leadership with a team-oriented natural way of working
• Willing to accept and embrace priority shifts and adjust to focus on the most critical tasks set by the business and managers
• Fluency in English language both written and orally
• Pioneering new research directions matching business opportunities and priorities

Critical experience

• 8+ years of experience conducting experiments in wet lab, controlled growth and/or field environments
• 6+ years of experience applying state-of-the-art omics and/or genetics technologies to identify genes affecting Biotech traits.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems through innovative approaches
• Advanced expertise of principles and activities in genetic experimental setup
• Experience in cross functional and multi-cultural project team environment

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Ability to function at a high level without supervision
• Ability to handle both technical project leadership as well as laboratory / greenhouse / field scientific activities
• Ability to solve complex and diverse problems based on available data to create working hypothesis, design and execute scientific experiments leading to conclusions, solutions or new hypothesis.
• Effective communications to convey the appropriate level of detail to the right audience verbally, in writing, or by presentation and the ability to judge when and who to communicate key information
• Team-Oriented – Team Player
• Highly motivated and results oriented

Critical leadership capabilities

• Collaboration: Fosters a sense of collaboration and works effectively with others across the organization to achieve goals.
• Judgement: Makes timely and sound decisions on everyday issues and problems by applying accurate logic, appropriate knowledge, expertise, and common sense.
• Creativity and Innovation: Generates and champions new ideas, approaches, and initiatives and creates an environment that nurtures and supports innovation.
• Execution & results orientation: Demonstrates initiative and a strong commitment to achieving meaningful results, meeting or exceeding goals, and acting on opportunities to create value.
• Self-Awareness: Demonstrates understanding of personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and limits.

• All applicants must be eligible to work in the US
• Travel – 5-10% (Domestic & International)
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in challenging environments with exposure to heat, sunlight, pollen
• Excellent knowledge of molecular pathology and crop genetics, particularly maize and soy
• Strong scientific acumen, self-motivated and striving for continuous improvement
• Strong sense of ownership in a team environment

What We Offer:

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do.
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, plus paid holidays.
• Maternity/Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs and Corporate Discounts among other benefits.
• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members.

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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.