Principal Scientist in Formulation Development (m/f/d)

The role of the Formulation Department in Münchwilen is key to turn Syngenta innovative active ingredients into Crop Protection products designed to support farmers to produce healthy, nutritious food and help lead the transition into a more sustainable agriculture. This includes the development and optimization of novel formulations from lab to production scale as well as products’ support throughout their whole lifetime.

For our Formulation Department, we are looking for a Principal Scientist in Formulation Development (m/f/d) to join a Team working on the design of formulations based on new active ingredients. This position combines both laboratory work and office-based activities (50/50) supporting various projects.

• Working in the laboratory, you will be planning and conducting experimental programs to support a portfolio of projects, working largely independently but with the support of your team leader.
• Partnering with colleagues from other functions as part of multi-disciplinary project teams (Chemistry, Biology, Analytical Science, Regulatory). 
• Reporting recording and presenting your data to technical and business teams as well as influence key projects’ decisions and directions.
• Planning, designing and executing experimental studies needed for the development of formulations based on new and/or existing active ingredients
• Owning and maintaining part of the Team portfolio of formulations as Formulation Product Champion (Specifications, quality...)
• Applying scientific theories, principles & techniques to solve technical problems encountered during development activities
• Generating & implementing innovative ideas/methods/technologies to support the delivery of formulations meeting pre-defined design requirements
• Providing technical support to manufacturing sites and customer-facing business units to support P&S initiatives and being a proactive FD ambassador within and outside PT&E Function
• Managing and prioritizing several technical projects simultaneously
• Delivering outcomes/outputs according to agreed timelines by implementing new working practices or tools

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. 

Location of the role: 4333 Münchwilen, Switzerland

• PhD (Postdoc experience beneficial) or Master’s degree (with relevant work experience) in a field of applied life sciences (agrochemistry, pharmaceutical, food, paint, cosmetics sciences etc., physical chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology) or chemical/process engineering.
• Demonstrated language skills in English (at least C1) and German (at least B2).
• Knowledge of several formulation types and technologies as well as experience with scale-up and manufacturing requirements is beneficial.
• Fundamental understanding of physical chemistry and colloid science and a scientific approach to generate & implement innovative ideas/methods/technologies to support the delivery of formulations meeting the requirements.
• Good organization skills, scientific curiosity and an ability to solve technical problems are all critical to the role.  It will be particularly expected that you apply your fundamental understanding of physical chemistry and colloid science and a scientific approach to generate & implement innovative ideas/methods/technologies to support the delivery of formulations meeting the requirements.
• Ability to establish a personal network across functions, support implementation of new working practices or tools by showing their value to others.
• Team player: Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal skills, team-oriented, dependable with an ability to give and follow detailed verbal and written instruction.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment: self-motivated, able to manage several projects with a large variety of tasks, meeting timelines efficiently.
• Empowered decision making: ability to take ownership and drive decision making down to the lowest appropriate level.
• Enterprise mindset: considers the impact of their efforts on the entire organization rather than on single team or function.
• Informed risk taking:  Takes calculated, informed risks by leveraging a “minimum viable product” approach and challenging any work that does not add value.

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.