Research Scientist - Plant biology

Company Description

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yield of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs.  

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.  

Job Description

Role purpose

We are seeking a talented and motivated research scientist to join the Trait Discovery team of Syngenta Group Beijing Innovation center, China.  The primary responsibilities of this role are to provide technical expertise and hands-on skills in plant infiltration and transformation and to manage plant-based gene expression and characterization efforts.  The candidate will work in a collaborative environment, contributing to the cross-disciplinary innovations for the identification and development of the next generation traits for Seeds business.

Accountabilities

• Design experiments and conduct plant infiltration and transformation assays to express and screen gene leads in various plant species
• Develop new or improve existing plant-based expression assays for trait gene discovery and validation
• Manage plant transient transformation projects and platforms, including method development, optimization, and scaled production
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate work with other aspects of trait characterization and development

• Maintain detailed records of experiments, analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare technical reports, and present findings to project teams and stakeholders. 

• Stay current with the latest developments in plant biotechnology and propose new research ideas
• Performs all activities in compliance with company quality management, IP and HSE guidance 

Qualifications

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

• Ph.D. in plant biology or a related field
• Hands-on experience in plant infiltration, transformation or tissue culture techniques is required,  experience with multiple plant species is highly preferred
• Strong understanding of gene expression regulation and techniques in plants and other systems like E.coli, cell lines, and etc.
• Proficiency in molecular biology and biochemical techniques such as gene cloning, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and etc.
• Proficient in using bioinformatics tools.  Programming skills are a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges. 
• Proven track record of scientific innovation combining data-driven decision making.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. 
• Excellent communication skills in both English (written and spoken) and Mandarin. 
• Self-motivated, hard-working, down-to-earth, mature and team-oriented

Additional Information

Note: 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, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

 To learn more visit: www.syngenta.com