Senior Scientist - Entomology

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 yield 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.  

Role purpose

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Entomologist to join the Trait Discovery team of Syngenta Group Beijing Innovation center, China.  The primary responsibilities of this role are to provide technical leadership and scientific expertise in improving and standardizing insect rearing and bioassay methods and developing insect control traits in crops.  The candidate will lead and work in a collaborative environment, providing significant contributions to the cross-disciplinary innovations for the identification and development of the next generation insect control traits for Seeds business.

Accountabilities

• Lead and manage insect bioassay platforms, including assay development and optimization, scaled and speedy bioassay execution to test against various crop pest species (including but not limited to lepidopteran)
• Establish new or improve existing insect bioassays for better efficiency, accuracy and throughput
• Lead a team of scientists and technicians, providing technical guidance and operation management to ensure timely and quality project delivery
• Drive continuous improvements in bioassay methods and operation through data analysis and adoption of emerging technologies to enhance capabilities
• Stay current with scientific literature and technological advances in pest studies and insect control research to drive innovation and new proposals in insect-control trait research
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate insect-related work with other aspects to contribute to gene discovery, trait development and mode-of-action studies
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare technical reports, and present findings to project teams and stakeholders. 
• Performs all activities in compliance with company quality management, IP and HSE guidance

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

• Ph.D in entomology-focused majors, trained in entomology as well as molecular biology and biochemistry
• Postdoc or work experience in industry or academia is required
• People management experience is preferred
• 8+ year experience in entomology related research is required 
• Prior experience in insect control product development is highly desirable
• Proven track record of establishing and improving insect rearing and bioassay methods
• Proficiency in designing and conducting different types of insect bioassays and insect rearing
• Proven track record of driving new research ideation and collaboration across teams  
• Strong background and research experiences in insect genomics and insect genetics studies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges
• Ability to lead and drive progress by working in a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent communication skills in both English (written and spoken) and Mandarin
• Self-motivated, hard-working, multi-tasking, down-to-earth, mature and team-oriented

Note: 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, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

 To learn more visit: www.syngenta.com