Principal Process Chemist

As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers counter threats and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all—while minimizing the use of land and other agricultural inputs. Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting, protecting crops from weeds, insects, diseases, and environmental stresses.

About the role

The Principal Process Chemist leads a small team of lab technicians or chemists to deliver targets and provides extensive specialist chemistry expertise to drive improvements to existing manufacturing processes for products, as defined by or agreed with a group or project leader.

Responsibilities

• Ensures required HSE standards and good laboratory practices are applied and respected.
• Controls and coordinates the provision of technical support to a significant technology or manufacturing area.
• Acts as Chemistry Process Owner for a manufacturing process area and/or as a local expert in a specific technology.
• Applies a combination of theoretical and applied knowledge to guide and lead challenges in that area.
• Investigates, develops, and implements solutions to intractable problems encountered.
• Establishes and maintains technical documentation under guidance from a project or team leader.
• Develops, trains, and coaches junior staff or peers to improve their performance; applies Performance Management rigorously where appropriate.
• Manages and sets day-to-day priorities in light of resource constraints and project/supply chain/manufacturing strategies.
• Communicates with and influences manufacturing, development, supply chain teams, HSE, regulatory, and other functions to define, progress, and implement development plans.
• Manages day-to-day expectations of stakeholders (e.g., task force/manufacturing support teams, site leadership teams, project managers, supply chain teams).
• Establishes and maintains contact with centers of process technology expertise, both within Syngenta and externally, to ensure optimum use of available skills and resources.
• Takes part in formal networks in areas of expertise.
• Supports the department in multiple specialist roles.

Qualifications

• PhD in organic chemistry or equivalent experience.
• Fluent English; German and French advantageous.
• Basic partnering and problem-solving skills.
• Track record in manufacturing support, process improvements, and knowledge in scale-up of chemical processes.
• Good general knowledge about Syngenta stage plan, Supply Chain strategy, R&D, and P&S processes, teams, roles, and responsibilities (or equivalent experience with another company).
• Typically, 4–6 years’ experience as a Process Chemistry Specialist or equivalent, with practical experience in manufacturing support, process improvement and development, showing sound and broad knowledge in process safety, reaction hazards, electrostatics, environmental issues, and IP.
• Experience (e.g., job rotation) within a partnering function such as production and supply.

Benefits

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development, and strives for work-life balance with flexible work options.
• Full benefit package (Medical, Dental & Vision) starting 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.