Data Science and Machine Learning Lead

Company Description

Syngenta Group, a global leader in agricultural technology and innovation, employs 60,000 people across more than 100 countries to transform agriculture through tailor-made solutions for farmers, society, and our planet. Our diverse portfolio encompasses seeds, crop protection, nutrition products, agronomic solutions, and digital services, all designed to help farmers produce healthy food, feed, fiber, and fuel while conserving natural resources and protecting the environment. Our mission is to address critical challenges such as climate change and food security through sustainable practices and cutting-edge solutions, while safeguarding the planet's resources. 

Job Description

Are you ready to pioneer the next generation of data science and machine learning solutions in agriculture? We're seeking an exceptional Data Science and Machine Learning Lead to drive innovation at the intersection of technology and sustainable agriculture.

Shape the Future of Agricultural working with and through a dynamic team of data scientists and ML engineers in developing cutting-edge solutions that transform how we approach global agriculture. You'll be the strategic bridge between our Chief Data Officer organization and key business functions, architecting ML solutions that drive real-world impact across R&D, Production & Supply, Finance, and Commercial operations.

What You'll Drive:

• Design and implement enterprise-scale ML solutions across multiple cloud platforms
• Establish technical standards and MLOps best practices that set the foundation for scalable AI across the organization
• Build and mentor high-performing teams while fostering a culture of innovation
• Develop reusable accelerators and templates that amplify our data science capabilities
• Partner with global stakeholders to drive ML maturity across the organization

What we are looking for:

• MSc/PhD in Data Science with an engineering background
• Extensive experience in data science and machine learning with proven leadership experience
• Expert proficiency in Python, R, and modern ML platforms
• Proven success delivering enterprise ML solutions
• Strong background in MLOps, cloud platforms, and ML governance
• Experience in agriculture or life sciences is highly valued

Additional Information

Our site

Hybrid: Flexible on-site presence (1-2 days per week) at our Jealott's Hill International Research Centre UK , which 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, plus 8 UK bank holidays.
• Flexible working: We're committed to supporting flexible working arrangements where business needs allow. We believe in creating an environment that enables our people to balance their work and personal lives effectively while delivering excellence in their role. Please discuss any flexibility you may require with the talent partner, if you are selected for interview.
• 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.
• Learning culture 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.