Formulation Scientist

Location: Atessa, Italy

Contract type: Fixed-term contract – maternity cover

Function: Research & Development / Formulation Development

Salary: €28,000–€35,000 gross annual salary, depending on experience

At Syngenta, we work every day to tackle one of the world’s most important challenges: feeding a growing population while protecting natural resources.

We are looking for a Formulation Scientist to join our R&D Formulation Development team in Atessa. In this role, you will contribute to the development of innovative, reliable and scalable crop protection formulations, working across functions and applying science to support a more sustainable agriculture.

What you will do

• Design, develop and optimise agrochemical formulations.
• Plan, perform and document laboratory experiments in line with project objectives and established protocols.
• Assess the physical, chemical and storage-stability properties of formulation prototypes.
• Analyse experimental data, interpret results and propose technical recommendations or corrective actions.
• Investigate formulation challenges and help identify and implement effective solutions.
• Prepare accurate technical reports, experimental records and presentations.
• Collaborate closely with Analytical, Regulatory, Production and other R&D teams.
• Support formulation scale-up from laboratory to pilot or manufacturing scale, where required.
• Ensure full compliance with laboratory safety standards, GLP principles and applicable environmental requirements.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a curious, rigorous and practical scientist who can turn experimental observations into clear technical solutions. You are collaborative, detail-oriented and comfortable working in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.

Essential requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Biotechnology or a related scientific discipline.
• At least one year of relevant experience in formulation development, a chemical laboratory or an industrial R&D environment.
• Good understanding of formulation principles, including surfactants, solvents, adjuvants and rheology modifiers.
• Hands-on experience with formulation systems and laboratory experimentation.
• Ability to plan experiments, analyse data and draw evidence-based conclusions.
• Strong organisational, problem-solving and technical communication skills.
• Good written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic laboratory or data-recording systems.

It would be a plus if you have

• Previous experience in agrochemical formulation development or another regulated chemical industry.
• Experience with active ingredients and formulation performance testing.
• Exposure to scale-up, technology transfer or collaboration with manufacturing teams.
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DoE) and statistical data analysis.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for agrochemical products.
• Interest in sustainability, innovation and green chemistry principles.

What we offer

You will join an international and inclusive working environment where scientific expertise, collaboration and innovation come together to make a tangible difference.

This is a fixed-term maternity-cover position. The gross annual salary ranges from €28,000 to €35,000, depending on the selected candidate’s experience and skills.

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