Genotyping Chemistry Scientist

About Syngenta 

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. 

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta is seeking a highly skilled Genotyping Chemistry Development Scientist to join our innovative research team in Malta, IL. The ideal candidate will specialize in developing and optimizing DNA extraction methods and PCR master mix formulations, with a deep understanding of various chemical approaches to enhance genotyping workflows. This role requires a proven track record in significantly reducing costs through innovative chemistry solutions while maintaining high performance and reliability in genotyping operations.

Accountabilities:

• Develop DNA Extraction Protocols: Design and optimize efficient, high-yield DNA extraction methods compatible with multiple sample types (e.g., leaf, roots, seeds) to support genotyping applications.
• Formulate PCR Master Mixes: Create and refine PCR master mix chemistries to improve sensitivity, specificity, and robustness for genotyping assays across various platforms.
• Innovate Chemistry Solutions: Explore and implement novel chemical approaches to enhance reaction efficiency, reduce reagent consumption, and streamline workflows.
• Cost Reduction: Identify and implement strategies to significantly lower the cost of DNA extraction and PCR processes without compromising quality, leveraging expertise in reagent optimization and scalable chemistries.
• Stage Gate Process Management: Lead chemistry development projects through stage gate processes, ensuring milestones are met for feasibility, development, validation and production deployment of genotyping solutions.
• Assay Validation: Conduct rigorous testing and validation of developed protocols to ensure reproducibility, accuracy, and compatibility with high-throughput genotyping systems.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, automation engineers, digital and product development teams to integrate chemistries into commercial genotyping platforms.
• Stay Current with Advances: Keep abreast of emerging trends in genotyping chemistry, such as new reagents, enzymes, and amplification technologies, to maintain cutting-edge solutions
• Documentation and Reporting: Prepare detailed technical reports, SOPs, and presentations to communicate findings and support regulatory submissions or patent applications.

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring current or future sponsorship (which also includes OPT/CPT and H-1B visas).

Required:

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field. A Master’s degree with extensive relevant experience may be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in developing DNA extraction methods and PCR-based assays for genotyping or related applications.
• Demonstrated success in reducing costs of molecular biology workflows, with quantifiable examples (e.g., reduced reagent costs by X% or streamlined processes to save Y hours per run).
• Expertise in a variety of chemistries, such as nucleic acid purification, enzyme stabilization, and buffer optimization.

Technical Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of DNA extraction techniques (e.g., silica-based, magnetic bead, or organic extraction) and PCR master mix components (e.g., polymerases, dNTPs, buffers).
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as qPCR, gel electrophoresis, and nucleic acid quantification (e.g., Nanodrop, Qubit, Microplate Readers).
• Familiarity with high-throughput genotyping platforms and automation systems.
• Experience in designing, optimizing, and validating PCR-based methods, such as real-time qPCR, multiplex PCR, and allele-specific PCR for genotyping applications.
• Proficient in developing high-performance PCR assays with enhanced sensitivity and specificity, utilizing techniques such as TaqMan, KASP, and digital PCR. Skilled in troubleshooting PCR workflows, optimizing reaction conditions, and implementing cost-effective protocols to support high-throughput genotyping and molecular diagnosis.
• Proven expertise in development and optimizing genotyping and sequencing workflows, with hands-on experience in advanced technologies like next-generation sequencing (e.g. Targeted Genotyping by Sequencing (tGBS), Skim Sequencing (SkimSeq)).

Desired:

• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation or multiplex PCR assay development.
• Track record of publications or patents in genotyping chemistry or cost-effective molecular biology solutions.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for diagnostic assay development (e.g., ISO 13485, CLIA, or FDA guidelines).

Salary for the role is $112,400 - $140,000 per year.

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts 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.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI

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.

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