Postdoctoral Scholar (3 year fixed term)

About the role

This is a 3-year fixed-term position located in Durham, NC. 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 Postdoctoral Scholar in Durham, NC.

Responsibilities

• Explore and develop methods for the discovery of novel insecticidal protein sequences.
• Apply expertise in protein expression methods and systems, such as bacterial, plant, and other relevant platforms, to generate high-quality data that supports project team decision-making.
• Synthesize results and clearly communicate progress, findings, and challenges to scientists and stakeholders.
• Contribute to innovation, troubleshooting, and cross-disciplinary collaboration across multiple projects.

Qualifications

• PhD degree (in the field of Biochemistry or related areas).
• Applicant should be 3 years or less from PhD granting date.
• Significant experience in producing proteins, followed by their characterization with respect to activity, stability, and solubility.
• Use of FPLC methods to purify proteins, with knowledge of various chromatography techniques.
• Familiarity with transformation and growth of E. coli protein expression strains.
• In-depth knowledge of protein structure-function principles and structure-guided mutagenesis.
• Prior experience with protein engineering applications to improve protein properties, such as activity, expression, and/or solubility.
• Must be able to work proficiently in a team-based, project-focused, and changing environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.

Desired Knowledge

• Knowledge of bioinformatics tools, such as BLAST.
• Proficiency in using protein structure visualization software, such as PyMOL.
• Familiarity with DNA/protein sequence databases, such as Geneious Prime.
• Experience with cloning methods and manipulation of protein expression constructs.
• Knowledge of methods for quantifying the purity and concentration of protein stocks.
• Experience designing protein purification methods/schemes using FPLC software.
• Experience using deep learning tools/LLMs to accomplish protein engineering goals.

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: here.

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.