Scientist II- Insect Traits

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 Seeds Research Insect Traits Discovery team is currently seeking a Scientist II located in Durham, NC.

The team is seeking: 

• Master’s or experienced Bachelor’s level candidates with relevant prior industry experience preferred
• Knowledge of insecticidal protein families and methods to identify them from sequence databases

Role purpose

• To explore and develop methods for the discovery of novel insecticidal protein sequences
• This position will be responsible for the production & characterization of insecticidal proteins
• Utilize a mastery of protein expression methods and systems (bacteria, plant, and other)
• Synthesize results and clearly communicate progress and challenges to other scientists and stakeholders
• To be an active member of the Insect Traits Discovery group, contributing to group innovation and troubleshooting across disciplines
• Contribute to multiple projects with a focus on delivering quality data to facilitate decision-making for project teams

Accountabilities

• Quickly adapt to new tasks and experimental protocols
• Deliver reproduceable results to the function or project in a timely manner
• Maintain an up-to-date notebook that details experimental details and results
• Design, plan, perform, and interpret experiments alone 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 inclusion
• Communicate clearly and effectively

Requirements

• Master’s degree (in the field of Biochemistry or related areas) or a Bachelor’s degree with relevant prior industry experience
• Knowledge of insecticidal protein families and methods to identify them from sequence databases
• Significant experience in producing proteins followed by their characterization
  • For example, with respect to their activity, stability, and solubility
  • Use of FPLC methods to purify proteins with knowledge of various chromatography techniques
• Must be able to work proficiently in a team-based, project-focused, and changing environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written

Preferred Requirements

• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools such as BLAST
• Familiarity with DNA/Protein sequence databases such as Geneious Prime
• Experience with PCR methods to amplify target sequences
• Cloning methods and manipulation of protein expression constructs
• Methods for quantifying the purity and concentration of protein stocks
• Experience with transient expression systems and insect bioassay sample preparation

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, plus paid holidays.
• Maternity/Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs and Corporate Discounts among other benefits.
• A culture that celebrates diversity & inclusion, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members.

WL3B
#LI-Onsite
#LI-MD1

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.