Senior Research Scientist – Molecular Assay Development

Syngenta Group • Durham, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities. We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture. 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, the Molecular Analytics Group at Syngenta is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to drive the development, optimization and deployment of molecular analytical tools and assays. As a key role, this position will advance molecular analytics to support genetically modified (GM) and genome edit (GE) crop development, as well as to develop and implement molecular analytical approaches to characterize Syngenta's high-quality trait products with speed and scientific rigor.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. or equivalent combination of education and experience with 4-6 years of relevant experience in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology or a closely related field is required.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced molecular biology, genetics, and/or genomics techniques and assay development.
• Experience in molecular (DNA and/or RNA) characterization.
• Track record of advancing research through innovative analytical technology.
• Experience in adopting Agentic AI approaches to accelerate analytical tool development (e.g., workflow automation, experiment planning, data interpretation support, and/or assay optimization).
• Hands-on experience in detailed characterization of genetic modification and CRISPR-based gene editing outcomes ( in vivo or in vitro ).
• An in-depth understanding of plant genetics and the application of molecular assays to trait development and characterization.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Communicate effectively with individuals across the organization and across business units; strong collaboration skills and ability to influence without authority.
• Ability to lead analytical technical development independently, deliver high-quality results with data-driven interpretation and work in a fast-changing environment with dynamic priority shifting.
• Public speaking and logical scientific presentation skills.
• A fast learner with strong self-motivation, ownership mindset and attention to details.

Nice To Haves

• Working experience in plant genetic screening and/or protein chemistry.
• Experience in the Ag Biotech industry.
• Working knowledge of all sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina, ONT, PacBio, 10X Genomics).
• Experience in high-throughput laboratories with lab automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop fit-for-purpose molecular assays to support GM and GE trait product development.
• Provide molecular assay technical support to enable high quality, high-throughput data delivery and project team decisions.
• Develop molecular data analysis workflows and computational methods in collaboration with internal and external experts, enabling analysis of sequencing data across multiple platforms (e.g., Illumina, PacBio, and Nanopore).
• Strengthen Syngenta's molecular analytical capabilities to support near- and long-term goals through development of innovative molecular biology and genetics approaches, and implementing new methods into routine workflows.
• Identify, evaluate and pilot next-generation molecular analytical technologies; implement prove technologies in support of trait development.

Benefits

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members.
• Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

What This Job Offers

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