Senior scientist: Bio-delivery

Devgen - Syngenta Ghent Innovation Center

Région

Zwijnaarde

Contrat

Durée déterminée
Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 28,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us please go to www.syngenta.com.

Syngenta Ghent Innovation Center is based in the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park (previously called Technologiepark) in Zwijnaarde/Ghent. Tech Lane Ghent Science Park is owned and managed by Ghent University, which ranked among the top 100 academic institutions worldwide. The Park currently hosts 10 university labs, 8 research institutes, 11 international corporate R&D centers and more than 60 high-tech growth enterprises, covering an integrated campus of 52 ha, housing more than 3,500 high-tech professionals.

Within this science hub, we focus on the development of RNA-based biocontrol solutions for crop protection. We are working with multi-disciplinary teams across different Syngenta sites located in many countries around the globe.

As a university city Ghent is a vibrant place to live. The atmosphere of the city is an inspiration to the students who in turn keep the city lively amongst the riches of the well-preserved medieval charm.
The city of Ghent hosts several festivals and carnivals throughout the year which attract partygoers, music-lovers, and performers from all over the world.

Description de la fonction

We are currently recruiting for a permanent position to be part of the research group in Ghent.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team looking to develop the next generation technology for pest control. You will be working within a dynamic group focused on delivering the ds-RNA technology, whilst benefiting from access to the breadth and depth of technical expertise within the Syngenta organization. On top of this, we appreciate that Syngenta does not have all of the answers to deliver this program and consequently you will be actively encouraged to identify new capabilities and technologies outside the organization. This will allow you to utilize your expertise to deliver commercially relevant technology as well as continue to develop your external networks.

The key elements of this role are:
 
  1. To support the RNAi-platform in the area of formulation / bio-delivery through the characterization and optimization of dsRNA/polymer complexes using analytical methods such as gel electrophoresis, HPLC and Zetasizer. 
  2. Develop the analytical capabilities on site in line with the needs of the different projects.
  3. Explore and develop novel in-house bio-delivery strategies that address key barriers to potency in different insect classes.
  4. Participation in current collaborations in the field of bio-delivery / polymers.  Reporting on technical progress and coordinating analysis and bioassay testing with the projects. 
  5. Scouting for new potential opportunities and playing an active part in the selection process.
  6. Contribute to the knowledge in defining the key barriers to the RNAi trigger potency in the key target pest species.

Profil

We seek a strong, self-motivated candidate with a strong ability for problem solving combined with enthusiasm for innovation and scientific research. A strong sense of quality and attention to detail are crucial for this role.

Applicants should be educated to PhD level or have equivalent experience in an aspect of bio-delivery.
A background in the field of RNAi especially in a pharmaceutical context is a bonus and a strong grounding in physical chemistry or biochemistry would be essential for the role. 

Teamwork and good communication and networking skills are essential for the role.  Fluency in English as well as the ability to work in an interdisciplinary field of research are also required.
Devgen - Syngenta Ghent Innovation Center

Société

Devgen - Syngenta Ghent Innovation Center