Senior Scientist - Microbiology

The successful candidate will:

• Have strong practical skills in microbiology including aseptic technique, management of cell banks, culturing of a variety of microorganisms, extraction protocols, microscopy, growth quantification and other analytical techniques
• Understand the critical requirements for microbial growth, and appreciate how to manipulate conditions to maximise yield, productivity, and bioactivity
• Perform technical methods/practical work in the laboratory and give advice/guidance to other team/group members
• Support the research platform team with scheduling of microbiology productions and optimisation of high-throughput screening processes and quality control steps
• Use statistical design tools where appropriate to explore design spaces in the most efficient manner e.g., use of Design of Experiments
• Have a keen and enquiring mindset, with ability to problem solve and work collaboratively to implement solutions
• Work closely with colleagues in Bioassays/Biology, Genomics and Analytical Sciences, Logistics, Shipping to ensure that processes are performed or developed that meet required specifications
• Prepare technical reports, present findings within project teams and be an active communicator within the wider Syngenta scientific community

• BSc/MSc or PhD in a microbiology or biotechnology related discipline with relevant experience
• Strong microbiology skills and practical experience with cultivating a range of microorganisms
• Experience with microbes such as Streptomyces, Bacillus, and fungi would be an advantage
• Experience with logistics and organisation of high-throughput processes and quality control would be an advantage (GLP experience is not required, but would be beneficial)

Whilst this role offers a competitive base pay, at Syngenta we value total reward which includes the benefits we offer to our employees. We support well-being, offering comprehensive benefits including flexible working, generous holiday entitlement, discretionary bonus scheme, competitive pension scheme, private medical insurance, employee assistance program.

Syngenta will offer:

• Competitive benefits package
• Up to 31.5 days holiday
• Large campus environment with good employee facilities including a site restaurant, gym, a variety of fitness classes, employee allotments, all-weather pitch and sports field

We embrace and encourage diversity, and this is what drives our innovation and lets us outperform the market. https://www.syngenta.com/careers/working-syngenta/diversity-and-inclusion

Our Site:

Jealott's Hill International Research Centre is situated in pleasant semi-rural surroundings between Bracknell and Maidenhead and is the place of work for approximately 800 Syngenta scientists and support staff. Jealott’s Hill is one of the main global research and development sites and key activities include research into discovery of new active ingredients, new formulation technologies, product safety, technical support of our product range and seeds research.

Biologicals Research:

Biological technologies are expected to deliver a significant contribution to the future of agriculture alongside conventional technologies. Microbials will play an important role in the development of these novel products for growers. We have new positions within the Biologicals Research team focusing on microbial discovery and bioprocess development to produce a variety of bioproducts. The primary objective is the screening and characterization of microbes followed by the development and optimization of bioprocesses. This will be conducted for a variety of microorganisms.