Principal Scientist - Synthesis Research Chemistry

We are pleased to share an exciting opportunity to join our Discovery Chemistry department, where you can play a vital role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture through contributing to the cutting-edge research within our dynamic, highly talented team.  

Role Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated and innovative Synthetic Organic Chemist, eager to further grow their career in a laboratory focused role within a cutting- edge research environment. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in multi-disciplinary projects alongside world- class scientists in the field of Agrochemistry, towards the creation of next generation weed control products.

Previous experience in the field of Agrochemistry is not essential - we welcome applications from candidates with a variety of academic and industrial backgrounds, and a comprehensive training package will be provided.

Key Accountabilities

Synthesis:

• Independent and collaborative design of safe, sustainable and effective synthetic routes to target molecules, drawing on knowledge, experience and digital tools
• Execution of synthesis to the highest standards, partnering with support platforms (e.g. automation, purification and analysis) to maximise efficiency and address critical challenges
• Development of creative solutions to high complexity synthetic challenges with resilient reduction to practice and meticulous attention to detail
• Influencing and driving synthetic strategy in projects towards improved scope, robustness, operability, scalability and efficiency

Continuous improvement:

• Sustained excellence in modern synthetic methods and technologies through continuous personal development
• Provide practical and technical support to colleagues, acting as a mentor and role model for synthetic innovation and promoting a culture of excellence in synthesis 
• Maintain a broad perspective of the external synthetic chemistry environment and champion the adoption of new methodologies and technology within the Syngenta chemistry community
• Take a proactive role in improvement of laboratory safety, efficiency and ways of working

• Documentation of risk assessments, experimental procedures and data to the highest standard and scientific accuracy
• Objective analysis and evaluation of available scientific data to inform decision making.

Beyond the key accountabilities, this role offers a number of opportunities for additional specialisms depending on the skills or experiences the successful candidate brings to the role and shaped by future development preferences. These include but are not limited to:

• Specialisms within synthesis: Expertise in specific synthetic methodologies or technologies such as process chemistry and scale up, natural product synthesis, high- throughput experimentation, flow chemistry, photochemistry, electrochemistry, and specialised purification techniques
• Digital tools for synthesis: Opportunities to play a key role in the development and implementation of new digital technologies (e.g. computer-aided synthesis planning, automated data workflows) and support adoption within the Syngenta chemistry community
• Collaboration: Opportunities to be involved in or lead external collaborations with academia or industry

Critical Experience , Skills and Behaviours

• Ph.D. in organic chemistry (or a related discipline) or equivalent experience in industry, with ideally a minimum 2 years additional industrial or academic experience in a laboratory setting
• Outstanding chemical knowledge and understanding, particularly in synthetic organic chemistry 
• Motivated by challenge. Willingness to push boundaries and operate out of your comfort zone
• Proven track record in solving complex problems in creative and bold ways
• Highly skilled practical chemist with exemplary safety standards
• Ability to work well in a collaborative environment to achieve project goals. Able to take leadership, challenge and influence within teams
• Highly effective communication skills. Able to summarise and present scientific results and ideas to colleagues in a compelling and engaging manner
• Able to deliver with full autonomy. Independent planning, organisation and prioritisation of own time to achieve a high level of productivity 

Syngenta will offer

Your personal development is supported by a broad induction programme designed to lay a strong foundation for an enriching career. You will be involved in multi-disciplinary discovery projects, collaborating closely with fellow scientists across a broad range of scientific disciplines, backgrounds and locations. 

• A commitment to innovation
• Leading edge technology
• Competitive salary and benefits scheme including bonus, healthcare & generous pension
• Flexible working hours
• 31.5 days annual holiday
• Vibrant R&D focused workforce with wide and varied social communities to join

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

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Syngenta Crop Protection is part of Syngenta Group, one of the world’s leading agriculture companies. Our ambition is to help safely feed the world while taking care of the planet. We aim to improve the sustainability, quality and safety of agriculture with world class science and innovative crop solutions. Our technologies enable millions of farmers around the world to make better use of limited agricultural resources.