Senior Formulation Chemist- Biologicals

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 proactive person with biotechnology expertise to join our Biologicals Formulation Development Group as a Senior Formulation Chemist in Biologicals. Are you ready to shape new products that will impact sustainable agriculture globally? Within this role you will lead the design and development of innovative formulations for biological active ingredients - from proteins to microbial systems while applying advanced experimental design methodologies to optimize formulation stability across the entire product lifecycle: formulation, storage, and field application. Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading formulation projects for complex biological systems, driving biomolecule and microbial stability optimization.
• Developing novel formulation strategies and selecting co-formulants to enhance biological performance.
• Designing and executing comprehensive stability assessments using advanced characterization techniques.
• Planning and conducting experimental work programs.
• Manage cross-functional stakeholder relationships and external partnerships.
• Leading technical communications across teams, including delivering presentations, written reports on project progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Driving formulation optimization through automation, digital tools and data analysis while ensuring compliance with HSE standards and regulations and maintaining high-quality deliverables.

What we are looking for?

• PhD in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutics, or related discipline or MSc with hands-on/leading research experience.
• Strong foundation in Chemistry or Biochemistry (minimum A-Level or equivalent).
• Knowledge of biomolecule structure-function relationships and degradation mechanisms (aggregation, oxidation, deamidation) and/or microbial physiology and factors influencing survival under diverse environmental conditions.
• Understanding of formulation strategies for biological systems, co-formulant functionality (buffers, surfactants, stabilizers, protectants), biological assays (ELISA, CFU enumeration, viability testing).
• Demonstrated working experience in a laboratory environment conducting and designing experimental research.
• The use of digital tools and data applications, statistical analysis, and experimental design approaches.
• Excellent problem solving and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute to team success through mentorship.

Desirable skills/Experience:

• Industrial research experience in formulation design and/or testing of biomolecules/microbes.
• Scripting and coding capabilities.
• Experience working with automated liquid handlers and high-throughput systems.
• Knowledge of agricultural application technologies and field performance factors, including familiarity of regulatory requirements for biological products.

Application process

Due to exceptionally high interest in this position, applications should include a covering letter explaining your motivation and suitability for the role. Please upload your CV and write your cover letter in the “Message to the Hiring Team” section on the application page or attach it along with your CV in one single file.

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.
• Campus environment.
• 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.