Technical Specialist in Microscopy

Syngenta Crop Protection is a leader in agricultural innovation, bringing breakthrough technologies and solutions that enable farmers to grow healthy and nutritious food while taking care of the planet. We offer a leading portfolio of crop protection solutions for plant and soil health, as well as digital solutions that transform the decision-making capabilities of farmers. Our 17,900 employees serve to advance agriculture in more than 90 countries around the world. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and is part of the Syngenta Group.

Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. Regardless of your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding an ever-increasing population while taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Specialist to join our Microscopy team sitting within the Bioscience function of Syngenta’s Crop Protection business. The team conducts research on a variety of projects, including structural studies and phenotyping to identify changes caused by our active ingredients (AI) in a wide range of organisms. The team is working on all stages of the product development, but with higher importance in supporting our existing product lines. The aim of these studies is to understand critical performance characteristics to understand how our products work and perform to support the compound design and development process. Additionally, the team provides innovative imaging to support the marketing of our products. Within the role key responsibilities will include:

• Proactively providing scientific and technical support to design and implement Microscopy studies using Fluorescence and/or widefield microscopy to answer project questions. 
• Performing operational priorities that are agreed with the Science Leader.
• Interpretating and analysing data and presenting conclusions in detailed reports and presentations.
• Implementing HSE actions to ensure the operations are within defined standards.
• Supporting, advancing, and reviewing sample preparation methodologies in Microscopy, including fixation, infiltration and sectioning protocols.
• Defining and developing optimized workflow strategies for staining protocols, encompassing both histochemical staining and fluorescent probe methodologies.
• Running established protocols with technical expert support to improve capacity and efficiency. 
• Transferring knowledge by training new users of the microscopy equipment and building new capabilities or workflows to supplement existing toolkits (within the lab).

What we are looking for

• BSc or MSc (preferred) or PhD in a Biological Science or Chemistry subject, with experience in subject areas related to fluorescence and widefield microscopy in bioimaging.
• Extensive experience working in a (microscopy) laboratory in a relevant professional or academic setting.
• Demonstrates ability to execute scientific plans and meet project deadlines.
• Complying with Syngenta HSE principles and standards.
• Effective scientific writing and communications skills.
• Ability to work effectively across disciplines (i.e. biology, biosciences, formulation, product safety and chemistry).

Desirable experience

• Demonstrated experience in imaging of cells including fungi, plants, and insect tissues, and/or other biological materials with a wide range of fluorescence techniques such as FLIM, FRET, CARS, two-photon, multiphoton, STED etc.
• Extensive hands-on experience in handling an preparing samples for fluorescence and light microscopy, including cryo-sectioning-based, paraffin-embedded, resin-embedded, and vibratome sections with a wide range of fluorescence probes and their application in techniques such as immunofluorescence and/or FISH.
• Proven experience in running automated workflows using e.g HTI (high throughput imaging).
• Proficiency in a range of image analysis tools, data storage systems, reporting platforms, and image analysis software.
• Proven experience in reporting, analysing, and discussing results and interpretations.

Our site

Jealott's Hill International Research Centre UK is situated in pleasant semi-rural surroundings between Bracknell and Maidenhead and is the place of work for approximately 800 Syngenta scientists and support staff. Jealott’s Hill is one of the main global research and development sites and key activities include research into discovery of new active ingredients, new formulation technologies, product safety and technical support of our product range.

What we offer

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, bonus scheme, private medical & life insurance.
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
• Comprehensive training will be provided in existing techniques, including high-throughput fluorescence microscopy, CLSM, and other widefield imaging methods, with image analysis support from the in-house digital team.
• Campus environment with well-equipped laboratories.
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.  
• The chance to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees.
• A vibrant growth and learning culture and wide range of training options.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top 5 employer and number 1 in agriculture by Science Journal.

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. Learn more about our D&I initiatives here: https://www.syngenta.com/careers/working-syngenta/diversity-and-inclusion

Jealott’s Hill has Disability Confident certification.

We are committed to making all stages of our recruitment process accessible to all candidates and our Jealott’s Hill site are a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application and we will do everything we can to support you.