Scientist Process Research Chemistry

About the role

Syngenta is looking for a Scientist in Process Research Chemistry to join its Crop Protection Research team in Stein, Switzerland. In this hands‑on laboratory position you will design and execute scalable synthetic routes for new crop protection candidates, ensuring they are safe, cost‑effective and ready for scale‑up.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and carry out route scouting and process optimisation studies using a wide range of synthetic and analytical techniques.
• Characterise reaction profiles, document process understanding and support scale‑up decisions.
• Proactively solve synthetic challenges and implement new methods or technologies to improve processes.
• Maintain the highest standards of laboratory safety and HSE compliance.
• Ensure high productivity, data quality and accurate electronic laboratory notebook entries.
• Report findings regularly in oral presentations and written reports.

Required profile

• MSc in Chemistry or vocational chemistry training (Laborant) with proven applied synthesis experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in multi‑step synthesis, reaction optimisation and standard purification/characterisation techniques.
• Strong understanding of organic reaction mechanisms and functional group transformations.
• Results‑oriented, detail‑focused and able to work under time pressure.
• Self‑motivated, collaborative and fluent in written and spoken English.

Required skills

• Multi‑step organic synthesis
• Reaction optimisation
• Purification techniques: HPLC, flash chromatography, crystallisation
• Characterisation techniques: NMR
• Knowledge of organic reaction mechanisms and functional group transformations
• Laboratory safety and HSE compliance