Senior Data Scientist

Job Description Join our global analytics team within Product Biology & Sustainable Innovation and help shape the use of predictive science in Crop Protection R&D. As a Senior Data Scientist – Predictive Science, you will develop machine-learning and predictive-modelling approaches that guide the discovery, optimisation and development of Crop Protection solutions. You will connect diverse scientific data with business and R&D decision-making, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to generate robust insights and accelerate complex decisions. This role offers the opportunity to work autonomously on high-impact scientific challenges, influence modelling approaches and data strategy, and collaborate with experts across an international research environment. What you will do Develop and validate predictive models based on historical, experimental and scientific data to support project and business decisions. Partner with multidisciplinary teams to support the discovery, optimisation and development of Crop Protection leads and product candidates. Integrate and analyse data from different sources, including physical chemistry, biokinetic, environmental, laboratory, glasshouse and field-trial data. Work with scientists to understand complex problems and identify opportunities where predictive modelling can create value. Provide guidance on experimental and field-trial design to improve data quality and enable effective modelling. Collaborate with R&D IT and software development teams to build data connections and deploy analytical or customer-facing applications. Investigate interdisciplinary and multiscale modelling approaches to address scientific challenges. Monitor relevant developments across industry, academia and technology providers, assessing new methods and tools for their potential application. Collaborate with external partners where relevant, integrating complementary expertise into projects and programmes. Contribute to data strategy through the effective connection and use of internal and external scientific data sources. Establish and track key performance indicators and success metrics for predictive modelling initiatives to demonstrate business impact. Mentor junior data scientists and analysts, fostering a culture of continuous learning and methodological excellence within the team. Ensure robust documentation of modelling approaches, assumptions and validation procedures to support reproducibility and knowledge transfer. Communicate complex analytical findings to non-technical stakeholders through clear visualisations and executive summaries. In the first months, you will build strong internal partnerships and Crop Protection domain knowledge, support active-ingredient projects using established modelling methods, and identify opportunities to accelerate the impact of predictive science. Qualifications Essential Advanced academic background in Data Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics or a related quantitative discipline; postgraduate education is strongly preferred Demonstrated experience developing machine-learning or predictive models for biological, scientific, agricultural, life-science or Crop Protection-related outcomes Strong knowledge of Python and relevant data science, analytics and modelling tools Strong understanding of model validation, robustness assessment and the interpretation of predictive-model performance Experience analysing complex datasets and translating findings into clear, actionable insights Experience collaborating with scientists, data scientists or technical specialists to solve complex problems Strong analytical thinking, creative problem-solving and intellectual curiosity Ability to work independently, manage priorities effectively and deliver work to a high standard of accuracy Strong communication skills, including data visualisation and storytelling for specialist and non-specialist audiences Professional proficiency in English Preferred Academic or professional experience in biology, chemistry, ecology, environmental science, biokinetics or related scientific domains Experience working with laboratory, field-trial, environmental or other complex scientific datasets Experience with interdisciplinary or multiscale modelling approaches Experience collaborating with external partners, vendors, academic institutions, or R&D IT teams on data platforms and analytical applications Key Capabilities Adaptability across different scientific questions, data types and analytical methods Ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively across functions Ownership, customer focus and the ability to influence through technical expertise Company Description Bracknell, UK Employees can work remotely Full-time Company Description Syngenta Crop Protection is a leader in agricultural innovation, bringing breakthrough technologies and solutions that enable farmers to grow productively and sustainably. We offer a leading