Senior Scientist I

Company Description

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever‑growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities. We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in‑field performance. Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme‑weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture.

Job Description

Syngenta is seeking a Senior Scientist in Durham, NC to establish high‑throughput bioassays on multiple pathogens, including plant‑parasitic nematodes, in laboratory and greenhouse environments. The role drives discovery, development, and delivery of innovative biotech disease‑resistant traits by conducting hands‑on experiments and collaborating with key experts and functions both within and outside of Syngenta.

Accountabilities

• Design, execute, and analyze laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments to evaluate crop resistance and tolerance to plant diseases, including soybean cyst nematode.
• Lead disease‑screening activities, including inoculum collection, culture maintenance, inoculation, disease assessment, and data reporting.
• Drive the discovery and development of innovative traits and solutions that address critical disease challenges in agriculture.
• Develop and validate disease resistance and susceptibility correlations across multiple environments and testing systems.
• Generate hypotheses, design experiments, and provide data‑driven recommendations to advance research and breeding objectives.
• Serve as a plant pathology and nematology subject‑matter expert, identifying and implementing best practices, new technologies, and scientific advancements.
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to communicate results, influence key decisions, and deliver solutions that meet grower and business needs.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Nematology, Genetics, Genomics, or a related scientific field.
• 4+ years of experience in crop resistance research focused on plant‑parasitic nematodes.
• Strong knowledge of molecular plant immunity, crop genetics, and plant pathology.
• Hands‑on experience conducting laboratory, greenhouse, and field research studies.
• Experience designing, executing, and interpreting complex scientific experiments.
• Proven ability to solve scientific challenges using data‑driven approaches and innovative thinking.
• Expertise in nematode production, infection assays, phenotyping, and data analysis.
• Experience managing research projects and delivering results within established timelines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present scientific findings to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary team environment.

Benefits

• Culture that celebrates belonging, collaboration, professional development, and work‑life balance.
• Flexible work options to support personal and professional needs.
• Full benefit package (Medical, Dental & Vision) starting on the first day.
• 401(k) plan with company match, profit sharing, and retirement savings contributions.
• Paid vacation, paid holidays, maternity and paternity leave.
• Education assistance, wellness programs, corporate discounts, and other benefits.
• Recognition as a top employer by Science Journal.

Learn more about our team and our mission: Syngenta video