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 yields 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.
Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States.
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 Trait Construction Team is seeking a Scientist II in Durham, NC. In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring the integrity and quality of vectors and Agrobacterium strains used in our GM and GE event generation pipeline. You will manage and curate vector-related data, perform advanced NGS-based validation, and deliver high-quality materials to support downstream processes in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Accountabilities:
- Perform routine molecular biology techniques, including plasmid DNA extraction from Agrobacterium and E coli, restriction enzyme digestion, PCR and gel electrophoresis, DNA sample preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS), DNA assembly-based vector cloning, and transformation of E. coli and Agrobacterium.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design fit-for-purpose approaches for vector validation and Agrobacterium material generation.
- Review vector maps and verify construct designs to ensure compliance with intended purposes and established guidelines.
- Serve as the gatekeeper to ensure accurate, standardized data and information documented in internal data systems for vector and Agrobacterium strain.
- Contribute to data process improvements, data system enhancements, and the development of new LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) capabilities.
- Work with LIMS and internal databases to enable seamless data flow and integration.
- Utilize public and proprietary bioinformatics tools for BLAST searches, sequence analysis, and NGS data analysis.
- Maintain compliance with quality management system requirements, ensuring accurate QC documentation in Syngenta's data systems.
- Work independently and collaboratively to deliver high-quality data and materials under tight timelines.
- Communicate progress and results effectively with project and functional teams.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in biology with 5+ years of working experience, or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or related field with 1-3+ years of lab experience in molecular biology lab.
- Proven expertise in molecular techniques, including plasmid DNA extraction, restriction enzyme digestion, PCR and gel electrophoresis, DNA sample preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS), DNA assembly-based vector cloning, and transformation of plasmid DNA into E. coli and Agrobacterium.
- Expertise in using bioinformatics software for map design & annotation, sequence analysis, BLAST searches and NGS data analysis.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Demonstrated strong troubleshooting skills & problem-solving ability to daily work.
- Good analytical and communication skills in interpreting and presenting results and data.
Desired:
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in handling multi-tasks and good time management skills.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills (written and verbal).
- Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
Additional Information:
PLEASE NOTE: candidates must reside in the United States and not require visa sponsorship - now or in the future.
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.
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