Senior Scientist Microbial Bioengineering

Company Description

Syngenta Crop Protection, the largest Syngenta Group unit, leads in sustainable farming solutions, offering innovative products to keep crops healthy while minimizing environmental impact, from planting to harvest.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Magazine and has been awarded the "Friendly Work Space" label to all its Swiss sites.

The role is based in Basel St-Johann within the Natural Products and Biomolecular Chemistry unit of Syngenta.

Job Description

Role purpose:

Within Biologicals Research, the Natural Products and Biomolecular Chemistry group, based in Basel-St. Johann, focuses on exploring and developing microbial derived concepts to promote crop health and contribute to the evolution of agricultural practices.

Drive innovation in microbial and natural product discovery to advance the R&D Biologicals pipeline while leveraging cutting-edge microbiology and bioengineering techniques to develop novel, sustainable agricultural solutions.

Accountabilities:

• Execute advanced molecular biology techniques including PCR, qPCR, cloning, DNA assembly, and CRISPR.
• Manage microbial experiments with microbes such as Actinomycetes and Fungi, including genetic engineering and cultivation in BSL1/BSL2 environments.
• Perform biochemical analyses to assess protein quality using methods such as SDS-PAGE and LC-MS.
• Analyze experimental data, generate comprehensive reports, and contribute to experimental design and optimization.

Qualifications:

• BSc/MSc in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or related field OR completed Lab Technician apprenticeship with significant exposure to microbiology and molecular biology.
• Advanced understanding of microbial genetics and molecular biology.
• Proficiency in sequencing analysis and bioinformatics tools.
• Excellent command of English.
• Expertise in experimental design, execution, and documentation.
• Proven track record in maintaining and manipulating microbial cell cultures (bacteria, fungi).
• Ability to independently plan, execute, and document complex experiments.
• Experience contributing to lab infrastructure management and resource coordination.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation of molecular biology experiments.
• Familiarity with natural product research and biosynthesis pathways and experience working in a BSL2 environment is desirable.

Additional information:

We offer a variety of financial and non-financial benefits including:

• A position contributing to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.
• The opportunity to influence process safety globally and in shaping safety legislation and culture.
• A superb working environment with an open culture and diverse workforce where new ideas are welcome.
• Opportunities to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees and gain scientific and technical excellence.
• Learning culture (Together we Grow) and wide range of training options.
• Competitive pension fund plan, flexible working, attractive bonus system, onsite doctor, fitness room, canteen, and other benefits such as family-friendly initiatives, child and family allowance.

Application:

Please send your complete application with your English CV, diploma, and work certificates (if applicable).

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.