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Plant Microbe Interactions Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join our mission of revolutionizing plant protection from seed to harvest. At Syngenta, our goal is ... It will provide technical expertise to drive the development of microbial-based products from the ...

Through our cutting-edge microbial technology, we are enhancing soil health, boosting crop yields ... Proven track record of successful interactions and filings with the USDA (APHIS/BRS) and individual ...

This role will require cross departmental and company interactions as well as participates in ... plant shutdowns or break in asepsis. * Provide assistance with general microbial testing ...

... host-pathogen ecological interactions using high-throughput sequencing and Nanopore-based ... D. or equivalent doctorate in plant pathology, microbiology, microbial ecology, plant sciences, or ...

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How much do plant microbe interactions jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant microbe interactions in the United States is $18.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plant Microbe Interactions Specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Plant Microbe Interactions Specialist, you need a strong background in plant biology, microbiology, and molecular biology, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques (such as PCR, microscopy, and sequencing), bioinformatics tools, and data analysis software is typically required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills help you design experiments and interpret results within multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for advancing research, improving crop health, and developing sustainable agricultural solutions.

What is the difference between Plant Microbe Interactions vs Plant Pathologist?

AspectPlant Microbe InteractionsPlant Pathologist
CredentialsBotany, Microbiology, Plant Science degreesPlant Pathology, Microbiology, or related degrees
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field studies, agricultural settingsResearch institutions, labs, agricultural extension services
Industry UsageResearch on beneficial microbes, plant health, sustainable agricultureDiagnosing plant diseases, disease management, crop protection

Plant Microbe Interactions focus on understanding how microbes and plants coexist, including beneficial relationships, while Plant Pathologists primarily study plant diseases and how to control them. Both roles require microbiology and plant science knowledge but differ in their goals and applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in plant-microbe interactions research?

Professionals in plant-microbe interactions often encounter challenges such as isolating and identifying specific microbial strains that influence plant health, as many beneficial and pathogenic microbes coexist in complex environments. Experimental design can be intricate, requiring precise controls to distinguish between direct and indirect effects of microbes on plants. Additionally, translating laboratory findings to field conditions can be difficult due to environmental variability. Collaboration across disciplines, such as molecular biology, ecology, and bioinformatics, is often necessary to address these challenges and advance research outcomes.

What are plant microbe interactions?

Plant microbe interactions refer to the various ways in which plants and microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, influence each other's growth, health, and function. These interactions can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful. For example, certain microbes help plants absorb nutrients or protect them from diseases, while others can cause infections or hinder growth. Understanding these relationships is essential for improving crop yields, developing sustainable agriculture, and managing plant diseases.
More about Plant Microbe Interactions jobs
What cities are hiring for Plant Microbe Interactions jobs? Cities with the most Plant Microbe Interactions job openings:
What states have the most Plant Microbe Interactions jobs? States with the most job openings for Plant Microbe Interactions jobs include:
Infographic showing various Plant Microbe Interactions job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,460 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Fermentation Scientist

Syngenta Group

Durham, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Company Description
About Syngenta
At Syngenta Crop Protection, we're pioneering solutions that safeguard global food security while championing sustainable agriculture. As a world market leader headquartered in Switzerland, we empower farmers with innovative crop protection technologies that defend against nature's toughest challenges. We unite advanced science with digital solutions to develop intelligent crop protection that maximizes yields while minimizing environmental impact. Join our mission of revolutionizing plant protection from seed to harvest.
Job Description
At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta's Research Biologicals Team is seeking a Fermentation Scientist in Durham, NC, USA.
This role will support the execution of bioprocess work for pipeline projects in accordance with assigned targets, timelines, and company procedures. It will provide technical expertise to drive the development of microbial-based products from the lab through pilot scale.
Accountabilities:
  • Experimental Execution: Design and conduct fermentation experiments with both glass and stainless-steel bioreactors, from 100 ml to 30 L.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Actively collaborate within the team and create connections with scientists across other research teams in the company.
  • Kinetics & Analysis: Perform studies on basic fermentation kinetics and interpret data to drive process improvements.
  • Scale-up & Validation: Support the scale-up and validation of microbial processes, ensuring successful transition from lab to pilot environments.
  • Innovation: Implement new technologies, such as automation devices and AI tools, to enhance research efficiency.
  • Documentation: Draft experimental protocols, technical reports, and contribute to data digitalization.
  • External Support: Assist in technical interactions with scientific partners, such as universities, CROs, and CMOs.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Education: Master's degree or PhD in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
  • Technical Experience: Proven hands-on experience in microbial fermentation (bacteria, fungi, or yeast) and downstream processing (e.g., centrifugation, filtration, freeze-drying).
  • Professional Experience: 2-3 years of experience in an industrial R&D environment (Biotechnology, Ag-Tech, or Pharma), with a demonstrated ability to work within corporate structures and project management frameworks.
  • Equipment Proficiency: Experience operating lab-scale and/or pilot-scale bioreactors and associated analytical tools.
  • Methodology: Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical data analysis.
  • Soft Skills: Strong collaborative mindset, detail-oriented documentation skills, and the ability to work in a multi-site, international environment.

Additional Information
What We Offer:
  • A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
  • Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
  • 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
  • Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI
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.
WL: 4B
#LI-ONSITE
Continue your development in a leading company that brings the potential of plants to life.