Chemist/Scientist I

UPL Limited (NSE: UPL & BSE: 512070, LSE: UPLL) is a global provider of sustainable agriculture products and solutions, with annual revenue exceeding $6bn. We are a purpose-led company. Through OpenAg®, UPL is focused on accelerating progress for the food system. We are building a network that is reimagining sustainability, redefining the way an entire industry thinks and works – open to fresh ideas, innovation, and new answers as we strive towards our mission to make every single food product more sustainable. As one of the largest agriculture solutions companies worldwide, our robust portfolio consists of biologicals and traditional crop protection solutions with more than 14,000 registrations. We are present in more than 130 countries, represented by more than 10,000 colleagues globally. For more information about our integrated portfolio of solutions across the food value chain including seeds, post-harvest, as well as physical and digital services, please visit upl-ltd.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Job Summary:  UPL’s New Ag Tech team has an immediate opening for a Scientist/Senior Scientist in Analytical Chemistry with skills in analysing both small and large molecules & Data Analytics at its OpenAg Center in RTP, Durham, NC.  The incumbent will play a key role in the organization and operation of analytical chemistry resources in support of laboratory and greenhouse operations in RTP and at UPL’s field development stations.   The role is primarily focused on the characterization and development of New Technologies but will also provide ancillary support for agricultural application testing.

Job Responsibilities:

• Analytical evaluation of active molecules and formulations using advanced instrumentation.
• Design and implement strategies/processes for elucidating biochemical Mode of Action (MOA) for new agricultural technologies.  
• Monitor regulation of gene and protein expression

• Identify portfolio gaps based on MOA and work closely with Global Research Leads to find opportunities to fill such gaps
• Support registration of products with various national and global regulatory agencies
• Develop methods for the evaluation of impurities in manufacturing processes
• Mentoring junior chemists

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology (with strong chemistry background)
• 2-5 years of experience in chemical analysis, method development and validation in a regulated industry (agricultural, pharmaceutical, biotech), preferred.
• Highly proficient in the use of HPLC, MS, NMR and advanced analytical biochemistry techniques
• General coding and Data Analysis Software experience a plus
• Experience with large molecule (protein, peptide, and oligonucleotide) identification
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.

UPL COMPETENCIES: 

Adaptability & Resilience: Recognizes and is open to changing circumstances and alters behavior and scales up as necessary; increases personal awareness and appreciation of individual and cultural differences to create an open, inclusive, and accepting workplace

Entrepreneurial Mindset: Has a creative mindset and ability to think holistically, takes calculated risks and maximizes opportunities

Results Orientations: Takes action, pursues goals with persistence and achieves results; communicates goals and vision to the team to drive enthusiasm and ambition

Execution Excellence: Enhances the speed of execution and builds efficiency in processes, systems and people; has sharp focus on quality-orientation

Strategic Orientation: Demonstrates knowledge of the social, economic, and environmental factors and how they impact the business. Identifies key issues that could impact the business and develops strategy through an analytical lens / design thinking

Building Teams and Talent:Empowers colleagues through knowledge sharing and delegation, quickly establishing rapport; provides recognition for achievements and accomplishments

Customer Centricity: Understands the customer needs and pain points, fulfills the needs and expectations by focusing on creating value for customers

We are one team, for maximum impact. One team with shared goals. We all play for the team and no one plays against the team. We have a laser-like focus on what our customers need and want, on anticipating their future needs and on how we can create innovative solutions and experiences for them. #UPLJobs