Biochemistry Laboratory Specialist – London, United Kingdom

Syngenta is leading science-based agtech company; dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries work 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. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture

About this opportunity:

If you are looking to take your scientific career to the next level this could be the role for you, led by a senior Team Leader you will work within a small team of specialists and will lead technical aspects of a particular scientific area, advising colleagues across the R&D function in Crop Protection Research, relating to Biological Sciences.

Role purpose:

• To independently provide specialist scientific and technical expertise required to design and deliver work programmes that inform our understanding of the molecular targets of novel agrochemicals.
• Develop and maintain awareness of developments in science and technology that are relevant to current work programmes and technical strategy. To initiate and/or support changes to established protocols or technology that bring improvements in capability and efficiency.
• Participate in cross-disciplinary projects as a team member.
• Lead the Section input into significant multi-disciplinary projects.
• May lead small multi-disciplinary projects.
• May be responsible for managing a team which will mean effective use of resources and may include responsibility for expenditure within agreed limits.

You will:

Technically

• Independently executes complex programmes of experimental work combining personal expertise, in house knowledge and comprehensive literature searching to identify appropriate approaches and maximise experimental efficiency.
• Apply a combination of theoretical and applied knowledge to a work area in order to guide and lead the delivery of technical solutions.
• Provide high quality practical advice /judgements to others by applying broad experience of similar situations and theoretical knowledge.
• Manage / set operational priorities agree these with the Team leader (TL).
• Build relationships with key contacts in pursuit of overall goals and objectives agreed with TL.
• Constantly improve current capabilities and suggest ideas to others.
• Apply knowledge and experience to the interpretation of complex data and the identification, understanding and solution of problems in their area of expertise as they arise.
• Summarise and communicate the significance of the data in a variety of ways to ensure it is both understood by and influences their own team and people outside the team.
• Introduces new technologies, techniques or ways of working to improve productivity of project/platform.
• Proficient at using digital tools to work efficiently and effectively and identifies new opportunities to deploy digital solutions.

Leadership

• Work both independently as well as part of a team.
• Develops own network of contacts with relevant internal experts.
• May line-manage individual team members.

Project management

• Manage day to day expectations of stakeholders, especially in project teams.
• Summarise, interpret, and present complex data sets to key stakeholders.
• Work flexibly to support different projects and other team members.

To be successful in this role, we believe you will need:

• Honours degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry or organic chemistry.
• Preferably a PhD in biochemistry, biochemical pharmacology, or chemical biology.
• Further research experience in a relevant professional or academic environment.
• In-depth knowledge of receptor biology or enzymology, and practical experience of working with membrane proteins. Ideally experience with ligand binding assays.
• Ideally, knowledge and practical experience of screening assays and lab automation.
• Ideally, knowledge and practical experience of protein purification and analysis.
• Hands-on experience of biophysical techniques, mass spectrometry (e.g. RapidFire) is an advantage.
• Ability to work flexibly, problem solving attitude and adaptation to new challenges.
• Ability to work effectively with staff at all levels within the organisation and to provide guidance and support to junior staff.
• Broad understanding of the activities across the organisation.
• A broad external network of scientists in related fields.
• Record of working with and influencing others through your scientific knowledge and experience.

In return for your skills and knowledge Syngenta will offer:

• Campus environment
• Competitive benefits package
• Up to 31.5 days holiday
• The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees

We embrace and encourage diversity, and this is what drives our innovation and lets us outperform the market. https://www.syngenta.com/careers/working-syngenta/diversity-and-inclusion