Scientist - HTS Specialist

About Us
At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, the Lead Generation and Optimization Team is currently seeking a Scientist - HTS Specialist to be located in Durham, North Carolina
 
Role Purpose 

• High Throughput Screening process development for lead generation and optimization pipeline for Insect and Herbicide Trait Discovery
• Design, implement and quality-assure semi-/full- automated systems for high-throughput molecular biology and protein production 
• Support implementation of information management system and software integration of automation-driven lab processes
• Be an active member of the Insect and Herbicide Traits Discovery group contributing to cross-disciplinary innovation 
• Significantly contribute to the identification and development of the next generation of Seeds products 

Accountabilities

• Understand, analyses, optimize and validate existing lab procedures and identify gaps and bottlenecks
• Work with internal scientists and third-party integrators to design/deploy/maintain automation systems
• Organize and ensure timely fulfilment of high-throughput cloning, library construction and protein production
• Implement necessary routine quality control for troubleshooting and process improvement 
• Create automation protocols / scripts and conduct thorough functional and load testing before launching to production
• Conduct research in accordance with or exceeding all relevant HSE guidelines
• Contribute to a congenial group environment, fostering scientific rigor, safety, and inclusion
• Communicate clearly and effectively

Requirements

• MS with 3 or more years or BS with 6 or more years of relevant experience
• 2+ years experience of lab automation in the agricultural, pharmaceutical or other Biotechnology sectors
• Understanding of engineering documentation such as process flow diagrams and standard operating procedures 
• Experience with nucleic acid manipulation, protein production and purification in a HTS setting
• Experience with liquid handling equipment, plate readers and imagers and their integration
• Familiarity with scripting language (Python, Unix/dos shell)
• Basic knowledge of communication protocols and device interface standards
• Demonstrated experience finding creative solutions that delivers productivity and / or cost-efficiency
• Must be able to work proficiently in a team-based, project-focused, and changing environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written

Preferred Requirements

• Direct experience in protein discovery or protein engineering a strong plus 
• Experience utilizing fluorescent methods and other detection methods
• Experience with enzymatic assay development 
• Experience with microfluidics and droplet-based screening
• Experience with design/implementation/operation/maintenance of integrated automation system 
• Ability to manage, analyses and summarize large datasets and results using statistics / visualization software

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 
• Paid Vacation, 9Paid 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)
        
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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.