Scientific Expert Plant Microbe Chemical Signal (m/f/d)
Full-time
As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter threats and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all – while minimizing land use and agricultural inputs. Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting, protecting crops from weeds, insects, diseases, droughts, floods, heat, and cold. Headquartered in Switzerland, Syngenta is committed to employee health and well-being, recognized by the 'Friendly Work Space' label in Switzerland.
This position focuses on studying and utilizing chemical signals both below and above ground to optimize crop performance. The work involves applying chemical-microbial ecological approaches to uncover new mechanisms in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. It includes collaborating on meta-omics initiatives, understanding rhizospheric microbial structures and functions related to chemical signals, and contributing to discovering new crop protection solutions based on belowground chemical signals. The role supports lead generation, early research, and product development.
Accountabilities
1. Design and develop new plant-soil-microbiota testing systems to study belowground chemical communication.
2. Perform targeted and untargeted chemical analyses and interpret data from soil-plant-microbiota systems.
3. Develop analytical approaches to enhance workflows and data quality.
4. Collaborate with other teams to support business goals and research strategies.
Qualifications
* PhD in chemical microbial ecology, metabolomics, analytical chemistry, soil biology, or plant nutrition.
* Fluency in English; German is advantageous.
* Experience in large data analysis and quantification of natural molecules.
* Experience with data mining and integrating 'omics' data sources.
* Expertise in metabolomics and microbiome studies, especially root exudates.
* Knowledge of chemical behavior in soil, including transport and transformation processes.
* Understanding of belowground plant nutrition and root functionality.
* Experience in microbial ecology investigations.
* Ability to work across investigation scales from lab to field.
* Proficiency with analytical MS equipment.
We offer a stimulating environment with various benefits, including:
* Impactful work in an international setting.
* Open culture with diverse colleagues and innovative ideas.
* Opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and gain scientific excellence.
* Training programs and a learning culture ('Together we Grow').
* Competitive pension, bonus system, onsite healthcare, fitness facilities, canteen, and family-friendly initiatives.
Please submit your application including CV, motivation letter, diploma, research summary, and work certificates (if applicable).
Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, nationality, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or other protected statuses.
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