Xenobiotic Biotransformation Specialist Reading Across Microbiomes (Post-Doc)

Xenobiotic Biotransformation Specialist Reading Across Microbiomes (Post-Doc)

• Contract

Company Description

As a world market leader in crop protection, we help farmers to counter these threats and ensure enough safe, nutritious, affordable food for all – while minimizing the use of land and other agricultural inputs. Syngenta Crop Protection keeps plants safe from planting to harvesting. From the moment a seed is planted through to harvest, crops need to be protected from weeds, insects and diseases as well as droughts and floods, heat and cold. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Switzerland.

Job Description

• Implementing a new fast and high-throughput testing platform co-developed by the Environmental Chemistry Department in EAWAG (Zurich, Switzerland) and the Syngenta Soil Health Research Center (Stein, Switzerland)
• Carrying out a range of validation programs and evaluating the biotransformation potential of agrochemical research molecules using a combined approach with predictive models and degradation measurements in activated sludge systems
• Actively working with different chemistry research project teams and engaging with several stakeholders to promote this new approach and providing regular technical updates
• Carrying out autonomously high-quality lab experiments by spiking xenobiotics (as synthetic small molecules) in activated sludge and soil systems and evaluating the biotransformation kinetics
• Developing analytical detection strategies for targeted analysis of a wide range of small molecules in different matrices (e.g., activated sludge and soil)
• Autonomously developing non-target analysis to identify putative metabolites of research compounds as results of the biotransformation processes both in soils and activated sludges
• Autonomously developing an effective data-analysis pipeline to process and summarize the biotransformation experimental data leading to meaningful recommendations for the chemical design of new and more sustainable agrochemicals
• Ensuring smooth laboratory operations, comprehensive documentation of methods and results, and maintaining close interactions with synthetic chemists and soil health experts
• Effectively communicating with colleagues throughout the organization the key challenges and learnings from the experimental work
• Working with colleagues on related projects within the Soil Health Research team, contributing to diverse and world-leading scientific projects as appropriate
• Ensuring compliance of HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) to Syngenta standards, encouraging and propagating best practices

Qualifications

• PhD in Applied Environmental Sciences with experience working on biotransformation processes of small molecules like pharmaceuticals and/or agrochemicals.
• Strong knowledge in targeted and untargeted analysis using LC- high resolution mass-spectrometry
• Solid understanding of major chemical biotransformation processes occurring in different matrix
• Familiarity with different disciplines related to agrochemicals and crop protection research (e.g. ecotoxicology, physical chemistry, soil chemistry, soil biology, etc…)
• At least 2 years of experience working on biodegradability of agrochemicals and pharmaceutical in activated sludges or other microbiome systems.
• Solid and documented experience in data-mining
• Experience working independently to high scientific standards
• Strong solid scientific background
• Excellent attention to detail and rigorous approach to scientific methodologies
• Ability to work and interact with colleagues from different functions, e.g. Soil Health Team, Chemistry, Product Safety.
• Ability to communicate audience appropriate results clearly to diverse stakeholders and and to plan and manage laboratory work.
• Flexible and strong team player, and able to work in a matrix environment
• Fluent English written and spoken (B2-C1 level)

Additional Information

We offer a variety of financial and non-financial benefits including:

• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment
• A superb working environment with an open culture and diverse workforce where new ideas are always welcome
• The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced employees and gain scientific and technical excellence
• Learning culture (Together we Grow) and wide range of training options
• You will profit from a competitive pension fund plan, attractive bonus system, onsite doctor, fitness room, canteen, and other benefits (Family friendly initiatives, Child and Family allowance…)

Please send your complete application with CV, motivation letter, diploma and work certificates (if applicable).

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