Principal Scientist – Natural Product Chemistry

We are looking for a Principal Scientist - Natural Product Chemistry in our R&D site in Stein. 

Natural products are molecular “special equipment” that impart survival benefits on their producers in nature. Due to their evolved functions to modulate biology these privileged metabolites are substantially represented in the modern crop protection market and are continuing to contribute to the discovery of innovative synthetic and biological crop protection agents such as the recently approved semi-synthetic fenpicoxamid and afidopyropen, or the synthetic mimics of the strigolactone phytohormones for sustainable agronomical applications.

You will enter a multidisciplinary team which purpose is to identify and optimize leads derived from natural products that display modes of action of relevance to biocontrol, plant and soil health. Your role will be to identify starting points of high interest and be responsible for the design and implementation of state-of-the-art synthetic routes that are robust enough to deliver test material for the early biological evaluation either of the natural product itself or its derivatives.

• You will conduct natural product synthesis programs contributing to solve challenging synthetic problems applying state of the art organic and bioorganic chemistry.
• You will be a leading contributor in natural product-focused research projects through effective hypothesis-based and biosynthesis-aware design, integrating the latest developments in adjacent scientific literature.
• You will integrate experimental and predicted data to design scientific hypotheses to address key research project deliverables
• You will work in multidisciplinary project teams and collaborate with experts locally and globally to discover novel biologicals solutions.
• You will promote innovation, advance technology and scientific understanding within chemistry and mentor colleagues.
• You will develop strong links with academic institutions and technology providers in natural product technological areas which are relevant to delivery of biological crop protection solution.

• A PhD or Post Doc in chemistry with a strong focus on synthesis, preferably in natural products.
• A strong command of organic, bioorganic and physical organic chemistry.
• You are passionate about state-of-the-art discovery technologies, incl. chemical biology and new chemical modalities.
• You are energized by championing and integrating latest advances in natural product and adjacent scientific areas to propel nature-inspired crop protection to the future.
• Ability to critically interpret results and build new experimental hypotheses.
• A mind-set of can-do attitude, curiosity, creativity, and risk-taking.
• You have excellent analytical, communication and organizational skills.
• You have strong decision-making skills and a drive to continue learning.
• You are a collaborative and communicative team player able to develop productive relationships within Syngenta organization and with a range of international collaborators.

We offer a variety of financial and non-financial benefits including:

Our research center in Stein AG is a world-class scientific facility that will empower you to apply your scientific skills to natural product research and to interact with a population of passionate scientists experts in their fields. We invest in your development through a multidisciplinary training designed to lay a strong foundation for an enriching career.

• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment. 
• A superb working environment at our Global Research Center in Stein with state-of-the-art laboratories, an open culture, and a diverse workforce.
• The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees and gain continuously 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, options for flexible time arrangement and other benefits (Family friendly initiatives, Child and Family allowance)

Interested? We look forward to receiving your online application including all relevant documents (cover letter, CV, diploma, certificates).

Did you know? Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal.

Learn more about our team and our mission.

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.