Senior Scientist - Molecular Analysis

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 Event Characterization Team is currently seeking a Senior Scientist on Molecular Analysis, to be located in Durham, North Carolina.  
  
Role Purpose:  
Syngenta is looking for an experienced Senior Scientist to drive molecular analysis to characterize genetically modified (GM) and genome editing (GE) products.  As a key role, this position will apply advanced molecular analysis technologies, improve analysis operation, and streamline analysis process to support Syngenta’s seed research pipeline delivery efficiently and effectively.
 

Accountabilities 

• Provide scientific expertise to develop analysis strategies and apply fit-for-purpose analysis methods to support genome editing and transgenic event characterization efforts required to deliver business objectives 
• Responsible for implementation of new methodologies, protocols, and processes to expand molecular analysis capabilities and to increase molecular analysis throughput
• Actively contribute to development / implementation of next generation analysis tools and lab information management systems 
• Play an active role in identifying, solving, and managing a variety of technical issues or challenges of molecular analysis
• Identify best fit-for-purpose molecular analysis methods and deliver quality results in fast changing business environment
• Responsible for initiating, evaluating, and implementing improvements to established protocols or systems
• Evaluate and implement new NGS methods and technologies to enable the expansion of analytical tools available for characterizing GE/GM plants 
• Provide subject matter expertise to support projects; collaborate internally and externally.

Requirements  

• A Ph.D. with 3+ years of industry experience or a Master with 6+ years of industry experience in genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related field  
• Experience in advanced molecular biology, transgenic biology, genome editing, genomics and genetics, and/or cell biology techniques and assays  
• Experience with NGS platforms (e.g., Illumina, PacBio, ONT, etc.) and downstream data analysis including use of alignment, assembly, and variant calling tools, and command line interface 
• Experience in characterization of CRISPR-based gene editing (in vivo or in vitro)
• An in-depth understanding of CRISPR-based gene editing
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and experience in a high throughput laboratories
• Proven track record of delivering research and innovation through journal publications / patent applications.
• Communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with individuals across the organization and across business units and work well in a team
• A quick learner      

Preferred Requirements 

• Working knowledge with common bioinformatics tools for NGS data analysis and working with “omics” datasets
• Experience in the Biotech industry 
• Lab automation

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

  
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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About Syngenta 
Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture, rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries works 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. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.