Senior Research Scientist Chemistry Automation

The Chemistry Automation Team is recruiting a Senior Research Scientist. We are looking for a motivated researcher/technician to design and execute automated experiments to produce small to medium-scale chemical libraries or to optimize chemical reactions. Furthermore, a strong focus will be on leading change aligned with the Syngenta digital strategy, adopting and enforcing new automation technologies in the Stein department.

Accountabilities:

• Involvement in project library design including expertise in digital tools (e.g. Spotfire, Stardrop, Library Design Tool).
• Integrate and establish workflow with automation robots, such as liquid handler, solid dispenser, parallel synthesizer, and high throughput analytical and purification systems.
• Independently execute automated experiments to produce small to medium-scale chemical libraries and to purify the product compounds.
• Carry out experimental work safely and in line with all relevant HSE policies and processes, and actively seek to improve HSE and housekeeping in own area and in the whole platform.
• Solve difficult practical problems through suggestion of new reagents or techniques in own work or in the work of colleagues
• Oversee maintenance of platform equipment and contribute to improvement and development of the Automation platform
• Represent full platform service to projects and proactively seek out new opportunities to serve projects in the Automation platform.  
• Take active role in evaluation and implementation of new software, hardware, or methodology solutions to serve the needs of project customers.

• BSc, MSc in Organic Chemistry OR Vocational trained “Laborant” with >2 years of working experience
• A strong interest in laboratory automation and high-throughput experimentation, practical experience in some of the following areas would be desirable:
• Parallel reaction set up using liquid and/or solid dispensing robots, optionally under inert conditions
• Practical experience with LCMS, GC, NMR spectroscopy to deliver quantitative and quality data sets
• Use of analytical software applications - Virscidian, Mass Lynx or Target Lynx; Spectrus or other NMR application for analysis and interpretation
• Experience with mass-guided purification of target compounds
• Skills and practical experience in synthetic organic chemistry including a track record in solving complex synthetic problems. Be aware of the hazards of reagents used, know where to find hazard information when unsure.
• Strong communication ability to work effectively and collaboratively with project/platform colleagues and the wider functions
• Organises own time to deliver work programs in a timely way and maximise personal productivity in line with project/platform priorities; ability to work under time pressure; Takes a pro-active role in own personal development.

We offer a variety of financial and non-financial benefits including: 

• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment  
• A superb working environment at our Global Research Center in Stein with well-equipped laboratories with an open culture and diverse workforce 
• The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees and gain scientific and technical excellence 
• Learning culture (Together we Grow) and wide range of training options 
• You will profit from a competitive pension fund plan, attractive bonus system, onsite doctor, fitness room, canteen, and other benefits (Family friendly initiatives, Child and Family allowance…) 

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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