Scientific Expert – Disease Control Computational Biologist

About the role

Syngenta Crop Protection, a global leader in crop protection based in Switzerland, is looking for a Scientific Expert – Disease Control Computational Biologist in Stein. The role provides scientific leadership for computational and systems-level disease-control biology, accelerating the discovery and development of fungicide, biological and integrated crop-protection solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Integrate pathogen, host, crop, environmental, agronomic and multi-omics evidence with AI/ML, bioinformatics and digital phenotyping to generate decision-ready insight from discovery through product support.
• Shape and co-own computational disease-biology roadmaps aligned with project needs, stage plans and portfolio priorities.
• Design mechanistic, network and predictive models and build reusable methods, standards and digital workflows adopted across Biology and Disease Control.
• Design experiments and bioassays that validate computational predictions in laboratory, greenhouse, semi-field and field conditions.
• Develop or co-develop AI/ML approaches for disease diagnosis, image-based phenotyping, efficacy prediction, plant health and phytotoxicity, resistance/risk assessment and experiment prioritization.
• Define data pipelines from instrument and assay through analysis and decision support, including LIMS/ELN integration.
• Advise project teams and governance forums on evidence-based options, risks and decision points, and establish strategic collaborations and mentor scientists and postdoctoral researchers.

Required profile

• PhD with substantial post-PhD experience leading applied and fundamental research at the interface of disease biology and computational/data science.
• Demonstrated practical deployment of computational, statistical or machine-learning approaches in biological research.
• Recognized scientific authority able to shape research strategy, capability roadmaps and portfolio decisions.
• Track record of external scientific partnerships, publications, presentations, IP or comparable community contribution.
• Experience translating complex biological evidence into product-development, regulatory, stewardship or portfolio decisions.
• Fluent written and spoken English; German is good to have.

What we offer

• A competitive pension fund plan and flexible working.
• An attractive bonus system, onsite doctor, fitness room and canteen.
• Family-friendly initiatives and child and family allowance.
• Training opportunities within a learning culture.

Candidates apply by sending a complete application with CV in English, diploma and work certificates (if applicable).