Protein Characterization & Analysis Lead

Through leading innovations, we help farmers around the world meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and taking care of our planet. We are currently seeking a Protein Characterization & Analysis Lead for the Product Characterization- Seeds Development / Traits, Regulatory, & Product Safety team) in Durham, NC at our Research Triangle Park Innovation Center.  
Role Purpose / Accountabilities
As Protein Characterization & Analysis Lead in Syngenta’s Product Characterization group, you will lead a team of professional scientists who are responsible for conducting protein characterization studies and analytical method validation studies that are required for registration of our GM and GE traits, under Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).  You will identify, develop, and procure internal/external capability/capacity to deliver technical positions, studies and/or risk assessments within Protein Characterization to support the maintenance and development of Seeds products for Syngenta.
You will:

• Be accountable for the deliverables of your team and exercise management responsibilities (including performance management; adherence to work policies, regulations, and standards; and resource allocation)
• Provide scientific expertise and leadership in protein characterization of GM and GE traits.
• Work closely with regional/global regulatory and product safety teams to deliver data, assessments, and interpretation to support global and regional projects and regulatory submissions consistent with business priorities and Product Characterization standards.
• Establish foresight for emerging science areas and develop and optimize technical/scientific capabilities of your team to support high quality product registrations.
• Ensure that team activities are coordinated and allocated to the optimum internal or external technical resource within the platform and operating budget limitations.
• Interpret internal and external business needs and issues and recommend solutions to stakeholders
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members.
• Develop and foster close working relationships with Seeds Research teams conducting or supporting protein characterization processes and data generation.
• Represent your Protein Characterization team or Product Characterization in multi-functional project teams.
• Represent the company through participation in professional organizations/workshops, industry-wide task forces and at meetings with regulatory agencies.
• Maintain awareness of the broad range of activities within Syngenta.

• Ability to lead, develop and motivate people for success
• Ability to identify and address individual performance issues
• Ability to independently make good technical judgements in a timely manner
• Ability to gain trust and confidence of team members and other team leaders
• Ability to gain the confidence and trust of internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to lead constructive discussion and resolution of complex technical issues
• Ability to establish oneself as a credible and recognized expert and leader internally and externally
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and to prioritize work effectively
• High level written/verbal communication, organizational, and analytical skills
• High level of advocacy and influencing skills and an ability to deal with and influence senior people internally and externally to Syngenta

Critical Knowledge, experience, capabilities and qualifications

• The position demands expert knowledge in regulatory science and safety/risk assessment coupled with an in depth knowledge of the individual’s field of expertise.
• The candidate will have demonstrated high performance in leading teams, team leaders and projects.
• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) or combination of education and experience in Protein Science, Biochemistry, or a field relevant to the assessment of the safety to support the maintenance and development of crop protection products (including chemical, seed trait and/or seed care products) is required. 
• The position typically requires an individual with at least 8 years of professional experience in a field relevant to safety/risk assessment 
• A proven track record of leading projects and/or teams of people to achieve goals is required
• Expert knowledge of techno-regulatory business environment including government authorities, academia and key influencers.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.
• Travel Requirements: some domestic and international travel required (≤ 10%)

• 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, 9 Paid Holidays
• Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity, and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year

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.
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Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 30,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.