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 Particle Scientist to join our Particle Science Group, the heart of our solid-state laboratory team, supporting day-to-day lab operations while driving improvements to our polymorph screening automation robots. You will be part of a diverse, collaborative team carrying out business-specific and long-term strategic research. Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting day-to-day operations of the solid-state laboratory team.
• Maintaining and developing polymorph screening automation capabilities.
• Conducting analytical characterisation to support polymorphism and crystallisation science.
• Working closely with formulation and process chemists to characterise and understand the physical form of active ingredients.
• Applying scientific curiosity to learn new techniques and explore innovations.

What we are looking for

• A degree in a physical science discipline (e.g. chemistry, physics, or materials science), chemical/process engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Practical laboratory experience with proven automation capability or a strong commitment to developing automation - specifically in maintaining, troubleshooting and improving robotic systems used for polymorph screening.
• Scientific curiosity to learn new techniques, explore innovations and apply them to solve real project challenges.
• Knowledge of solid-state science (e.g. polymorphism, crystallisation) and/or experience with analytical characterisation techniques (e.g. XRPD, DSC, TGA) would be a strong advantage.
• Being driven by practical problem-solving with an ability and desire to contribute to both process and product development.
• Proactivity and ability to manage and prioritise multiple lab tasks simultaneously.

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.
• 31.5 days annual holiday.
• A commitment to innovation and leading edge technology.
• Good onsite facilities including a staff restaurant, a gym and fitness classes.
• Working within multidisciplinary project teams.
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.  
• The chance to work as part of a global team to address the current and future needs of the agricultural sector and help feed an ever-increasing population.
• A vibrant growth and learning with wide and varied social communities to join 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.