Senior Lab Automation Specialist

Through leading innovations, we help farmers around the world meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, Syngenta’s Seeds Research & Development team is currently seeking a Senior Lab Automation Specialist in Durham, NC.

In this role, you will partner with R&D colleagues to design, development, and implement cutting-edge laboratory automation solutions that drive scientific discovery and operational excellence. You will play a crucial role in transforming our laboratory operations through technology integration and process optimization, directly contributing to Syngenta's strategic R&D goals.

Accountabilities:

• Design, develop, and deploy specialized laboratory equipment and automation solutions that enhance research capabilities and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate new automation technologies, ensuring seamless functionality and maximizing research output.
• Conduct comprehensive cost-benefit analyses of automation initiatives to ensure strategic alignment and ROI, providing data-driven recommendations for technology investments.
• Scout emerging technologies and automation trends, establishing strategic partnerships with external technology providers and research institutions to drive innovation.
• Develop automation protocols and training materials, enabling scientists to effectively utilize automated systems.
• Design and implement preventive and corrective maintenance programs for laboratory automation equipment, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for laboratory equipment malfunctions, providing rapid response and expert diagnosis to minimize research disruption.
• Establish and maintain strategic relationships with equipment vendors, coordinating service interventions when necessary and ensuring optimal resolution of technical issues.
• Partner with R&D Digital team to develop strategies for integrating data from lab automation systems into larger data management frameworks, ensuring seamless data flow and accessibility.

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. 

Required:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree, preferably in Electrical/Electronic/Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and/or related scientific field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in laboratory automation.
• Knowledge of laboratory automation hardware and software platforms.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship support from Syngenta.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Automation or Robotics.
• Experience implementing liquid handling systems, robotics, and controller software solutions from multiple vendors.
• Proficiency in script writing and method development for automated systems.
• Excellent troubleshooting and maintenance skills for automation equipment.
• Experience in high-throughput laboratory environments.
• Knowledge of image capture and analysis integration into automation systems.

What We Offer: 

• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs. 
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.  
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution. 
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits. 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. 
Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

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.

WL4B

#LI-DR123 #LI-ONSITE