Senior Scientist I- Disease & Agronomic Traits

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 Senior Scientist for the Disease and Agronomic Traits team in Durham, North Carolina to be based in our Research Triangle Park Innovation Center.
 

Role purpose
The Senior Scientist will be responsible to lead and manage trait discovery and validation projects by conducting hands-on experiment, collaborating with key experts and functions both within and outside of Syngenta.

The selected individual will provide scientific leadership to the function and drive execution within and across diverse functions, projects and/or networks in the areas of plant pathology, crop disease resistance and agronomic performance in the context of disease management

Accountabilities

• Hold the highest standards on science quality and integrity and make science based decisions
• Deep dive and update on cutting edge of the mechanistic understanding of plant resistance proteins, their partners and expression patterns before, during and after pathogen infection
• Create hypothesis together with internal or external experts in molecular biology, biochemistry, pathology and cell biology
• Perform wet-lab experiments to test hypothesis using surrogate assays to gather evidence for lead prioritizations
• Proficient in project management principles and practices
• Lead key trait projects by collaborating with experts in many functions and disciplines 
• Be the focal point of creating, internalizing and implementing new technologies and knowledge that enable the organization to meet the needs of the growers
• Provide scientific leadership to cross-functional teams comprised of members in Seeds Research, Product Development and Commercial
• Seek out, identify, communicate and encourage examples of best practice from internal and external sources of information

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Focus on delivering key business targets in the organization
• Disciplined and rigorous in develop hypothesis-driven research, improve process
• Innovative and critical mind-sets with solid knowledge and skills in order to improve and challenge status quo
• Pioneering new research directions matching business opportunities and priorities
• Well-connected and updated with leading academics by reviewing their publications and professionally socializing with top scientists in conferences or workshops
• Willing to accept and embrace priority shifts and adjust to focus on the most critical tasks set by the business and managers
• Comply with global and local health, safety and environment requirements
• Effective communication skills in English.
• Ability to communicate and influence key stakeholders

• Ph.D. or equivalent in plant molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics or related field, and 4+ years professional experience working in improving plant resistance
• Excellent knowledge of molecular pathology and crop genetics
• Strong scientific acumen, self-motivated and striving for continuous improvement
• Strong sense of ownership in a team environment

Critical experience

• 4+ years of hands-on experience applying state-of-the-art molecular pathology with biochemical, genetics and omics technologies to identify genes and improve gene performance
• Demonstrated deliveries in various forms on time
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems through innovative approaches
• Advanced expertise of principles and activities in genetic and biochemical experimental setup
• At least 5+ years of laboratory work experience including:
• Proficiency in use of standard software and familiarity with databases
• Demonstrated experience in working effectively as a member of a dynamic and multi-disciplinary team
• Being flexible and able to work on different assignments as needed
• Effectively implement and communicate results
• Perform plant studies independently or as part of a team

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Strong interest in plant biotechnology and agricultural research
• Strong desire in delivering solutions to meet the unmet needs faced by farmers both locally and globally
• Ability to solve complex and diverse problems based on available data to create working hypothesis, design and execute scientific experiments leading to conclusions, solutions or new hypothesis.
• Effective communications to convey the appropriate level of detail to the right audience verbally, in writing, or by presentation and the ability to judge when and who to communicate key information
• Willing and able to work at a high level with or without immediate supervision
• Willing and able to lead others and take responsibility as appropriate
• Wiling to manage projects and conduct relevant laboratory / greenhouse / field scientific activities
• A strong team player

Critical leadership capabilities

• Lead by influencing others with solid science and strong sense of ownership
• Focus on delivering impactful results and data to the team and organization
• Collaborate and work effectively with others within and outside of the organization to achieve goals.
• Clear understanding of personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and limits
• Seek feedbacks on ways of working, personal and professional development

Flexibility to work 7 days a week during peak and season periods

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

Work Level 4A 

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.
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 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.