Company Description
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.
Job Description
Duration: Two-year fixed contract.
Expected Start Date: September 2026
If you are ready to take the first step in your career, we are looking for enthusiastic scientists like you to join our team at Syngenta.
The Syngenta Organic Chemistry and Technologies Graduate Program offers the perfect opportunity to pursue a tailored start to your career in our Crop Protection Research and Chemical Technologies organizations.
Based at our Jealott's Hill International Research Centre in Berkshire, the Syngenta Organic Chemistry and Technologies Graduate Program offers you the opportunity to develop your expertise across a range of chemistry disciplines that will help you take the first step in your career. Your contributions will help transform the way crops are grown and protected to bring about positive, lasting change in agriculture. Learn from and become part of a highly motivated and collaborative team of scientists dedicated to ensuring our products are safe for the plants they protect, the humans that use them, and for the environment. You will help us on our mission to transform the future of agriculture.
What you can expect:
* Our graduates will undertake a two-year program where they will complete three different laboratory-focused placements across our Research Chemistry and Chemical Technologies departments.
* Training and development in a breadth of disciplines, including:
* Synthetic organic chemistry, where you will learn how to synthesise and characterise novel compounds using modern techniques.
* Automation chemistry, where you will learn how to operate state-of-the-art equipment for the synthesis of compound libraries.
* Physical and analytical chemistry, where you may run or develop assays to understand the effect of molecular physical properties which support chemical design or learn about chromatography and separation science.
* To develop a data-driven mindset using industry-leading software in support of chemical synthesis and agrochemical discovery.
* Responsibility on real projects from the outset.
* Mentoring in technical and professional skills from experts.
* To be part of a culture with sustainability and safety at its core.
* To gain broad experience of the agrochemical discovery process.
* Hands-on experience which will equip you with the skills and competencies to accelerate your career path.
Qualifications
What we are looking for:
Academic Qualifications
* BSc or MSc in Chemistry or a related discipline with a minimum of a 2:1 classification gained in 2025 OR anticipated to complete degree with a 2:1 classification before September 2026.
Technical Skills
* Passion for laboratory-based chemistry with hands-on experimental experience.
* Evidence of a strong interest in organic, automation or analytical chemistry.
* Commitment to delivering high-quality experimental data through well-designed experiments.
* Strong analytical competency with ability to interpret data, solve problems and draw evidence-based conclusions.
Personal Attributes
* Curious and highly growth-oriented scientists, motivated to tackle complex scientific challenges.
* Strong organizational and time management skills.
* Excellent written and verbal communication.
* Proficient digital literacy for modern laboratory and data management systems.
* Ability to work as a part of a collaborative team.
* Genuine interest in developing next-generation crop protection products that address global agricultural challenges.
Additional Information
Timelines and what to expect from the recruitment process
Due to exceptionally high interest in this position, we will only consider applications that include a covering letter explaining your motivation and suitability for the role. Please emphasize your experience working in a chemistry laboratory as part of your degree or placement experience.Successful candidates will progress through:
* Upload your CV and write your cover letter in the "Message to the Hiring Team" section on the application page or attach it along with your CV.
* Video interview with ability to record and re-record answers followed by an initial screening call with our Talent Partner.
* 30-minute Zoom interview with the Hiring Team between November and January.
* Half-day assessment center onsite in February 2026 with a view to making offers shortly afterwards.
* Expected start date: September 2026
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.
* Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
* We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.
* A vibrant growth and learning culture with a wide range of formal and informal training opportunities, a self-paced learning platform, onsite lectures and seminars, as well as mentoring in technical skills and professional competencies.
* Onsite restaurant, gym and fitness classes.
* The chance to be part of a diverse scientific community that is working to address the future needs of the agricultural sector and help feed an ever-increasing population.
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:
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.