Regulatory Scientist - Protein Biochemist, Seeds Product Safety

About Us
Syngenta’s Seeds Product Safety group is committed to applying world-class science and winning innovation to offer farmers safe, cost-effective solutions that address the demands of a rapidly changing world.  We are looking for a scientist with experience in protein biochemistry and/or analytical science to join our Protein Characterization and Analysis Team. This role will be based at our World Class Research Triangle Park facility in Durham, North Carolina.  

As a scientist (Technical Expert 3) in the Team, you will design and execute protein characterization studies and perform analytical method validations under Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) in support of safety assessments conducted for regulatory submissions for our genetically modified crop products.   
 
Accountabilities - You will:

• Independently plan, design, execute, monitor and deliver protein characterization studies in compliance with all safety, regulatory and GLP requirements
• Characterize microbial and plant proteins from different and complex matrices using standard biochemical methods like protein quantitation, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, glycosylation analysis, enzyme activity assessments
• Develop and validate quantitative protein methods (i.e., enzymatic activity methods, ELISA) for application in plant protein expression and protein characterization studies
• Document experiments and test results, interpret data, and write and review complex technical documents (protocols, reports, SOPs) 
• Contribute and communicate technical expertise in cross functional projects teams
• Identify risks or issues to Syngenta projects or products and contribute to the development, communication, and implementation of robust risk/issue management 
• Play an active role in identifying, solving, and managing a variety of technical issues or challenges
• Provide input to responses to questions from regulatory authorities

Requirements

• Ability to facilitate constructive discussion and resolution of complex technical issues
• Ability to establish oneself as a credible and recognized technical expert internally
• Ability to organize one’s own work, work on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize work effectively 
• Effective written/verbal communication, organizational, and analytical skills 
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills

Critical Knowledge, experience, capabilities and qualifications

• A PhD, or equivalent combination of education and experience, with at least 4 years relevant professional experience in in Protein Biochemistry, or related fields 
• Experience in developing protocols for purifying active proteins from different food crop plant and other complex matrices    Demonstrated proficiency of basic laboratory techniques, including but not limited to total protein quantitation, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, glycosylation analysis, enzyme activity assessments
• Experience with the development and validation of protein analytical methods, like enzyme assays and ELISA 
• Experience as a study director or study monitor of GLP studies is desirable.
• Experience working with external collaborators and contract research organizations is desirable 
• Minor in statistics or biostatistics or equivalent experience in statistical analysis is a plus

Additional information

• All applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.
• Travel Requirements: some domestic and rarely international travel required (≤ 5%)
• An opportunity to work for a Top Employer as identified by the Science Careers 2021 Employer Survey
• Flexible work hours available

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, 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.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmla.htm)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC)
(http://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/firststep/poster_direct.htm)

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppa.htm)
 
#LI-MD1

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs. Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions. Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.