Postdoctoral Scholar (3 year fixed term)

Syngenta Group • Durham, NC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta’s Seeds Research Traits Team is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in Durham, NC. This role will explore and develop methods for the discovery of novel insecticidal protein sequences, with responsibility for the production and characterization of insecticidal proteins. The Postdoctoral Scholar will apply expertise in protein expression methods and systems, such as bacterial, plant, and other relevant platforms, to generate high-quality data that supports project team decision-making. The role also requires synthesizing results and clearly communicating progress, findings, and challenges to scientists and stakeholders. As an active member of the Trait Discovery group, you will contribute to innovation, troubleshooting, and cross-disciplinary collaboration across multiple projects.

Requirements

• PhD degree (in the field of Biochemistry or related areas).
• Applicant should be 3 years or less from PhD granting date
• Significant experience in producing proteins, followed by their characterization with respect to activity, stability, and solubility.
• Use of FPLC methods to purify proteins, with knowledge of various chromatography techniques.
• Familiarity with transformation and growth of E. coli protein expression strains.
• In-depth knowledge of protein structure-function principles and structure-guided mutagenesis.
• Prior experience with protein engineering applications to improve protein properties, such as activity, expression, and/or solubility.
• Must be able to work proficiently in a team-based, project-focused, and changing environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools, such as BLAST.
• Proficient in using protein structure visualization software, such as PyMOL.
• Familiarity with DNA/protein sequence databases, such as Geneious Prime.
• Experience with cloning methods and manipulation of protein expression constructs.
• Knowledge of methods for quantifying the purity and concentration of protein stocks.
• Experience designing protein purification methods/schemes using FPLC software.
• Experience using deep learning tools/LLMs to accomplish protein engineering goals.

Responsibilities

• Quickly adapt to new tasks and experimental protocols.
• Deliver reproducible results to group or project members in a timely manner.
• Maintain an up-to-date electronic lab notebook that details experimental procedures and results.
• Design, plan, perform, and interpret experiments independently or in collaboration with other scientists.
• Conduct research in accordance with, or exceeding, all relevant HSE guidelines.
• Contribute to a congenial group environment, fostering scientific rigor, safety, and collaboration.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
• 401k plan with company match
• Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Maternity Leave
• Paternity Leave
• Education Assistance
• Wellness Programs
• Corporate Discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree