Job Description

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, Syngenta’s Seeds Research Traits Team is seeking a Principal Scientist II in Durham, NC. This role will establish and lead a comprehensive hemipteran research program by operationalizing physical rearing facilities and robust assay platforms.

The Principal Scientist II will serve as a critical cross-functional liaison and Subject Matter Expert (SME), driving the discovery of next-generation hemipteran crop protection traits through innovative methodologies, regulatory navigation, and the swift conversion of research concepts into functional laboratory operations.

Accountabilities:

• Establish and lead a hemipteran research program which comprises both insect rearing and assays.
• Develop and establish robust rearing practices of multiple hemipteran insect colonies.
• Develop and establish robust hemipteran insect assays (in vitro and in planta).
• Proactively identify and secure all necessary permits and documentation required to conduct research and facilitate the movement of insect species.
• Contribute to the pipeline by identifying and validating the next generation of hemipteran traits.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in hemipteran biology, providing technical leadership in rearing, assay development, and troubleshooting across multiple functional teams.
• Drive innovation by (co-)developing novel methodologies, functional capabilities, and creative technical solutions to advance trait discovery and protein engineering.
• Synthesize complex research data into actionable insights, clearly communicating progress, risks, and milestones to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Be an active member of the Trait Discovery group, contributing to group innovation and troubleshooting across disciplines.
• Conduct research in accordance with all relevant HSE guidelines.
• Contribute to a congenial group environment, fostering scientific rigor, safety, and belonging.

Qualifications

Required:

• PhD degree (in the field of Entomology or related areas) with at least 10 years of relevant prior experience.
• Possess a strong publication record.
• Significant knowledge of hemipteran insect biology, rearing, and insect bioassays.
• Broad knowledge of global insect pests and their impacts.
• Familiarity with the end-to-end process of identifying, testing, and validating protein traits for insect control.
• Knowledge and understanding of protein structure and how it can be manipulated.
• Knowledge of the employment of proteins within an agricultural or entomological context.
• Proven track record of setting up physical laboratory spaces, insectaries, or specialized rearing facilities.
• Experience with USDA-APHIS or similar regulatory bodies, including the process of obtaining and maintaining permits for regulated insect species.
• Experience in evaluating protein structural data for engineering purposes.
• Experience leading autonomous research areas, ensuring goals and deliverables are well aligned with overall business strategy via interaction and communication with senior stakeholders.

Desired:

• Ability to design and validate novel in vitro and in planta bioassays, specifically overcoming the technical challenges associated with hemipteran feeding behaviors.
• Proficiency in interpreting complex biological data and using statistical tools to turn raw data into strategic recommendations.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Prioritizing tasks to get infrastructure operational quickly.
• A positive, solution-oriented mindset: finding creative, non-traditional ways to solve hurdles.
• Professional ability to translate complex scientific findings into clear, actionable updates for non-specialist stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Must be able to work proficiently in a team-based, project-focused, and changing environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent troubleshooting, data analysis, and reporting skills.

Additional Information

What We Offer:

• 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.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI

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.

WL: 5B

#LI-Onsite