Deep Learning Scientist

Company Description

About Syngenta
Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture. 

Job Description

About Us

Through leading innovations, we help farmers around the world meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and taking care of our planet. At Syngenta, we believe every employee has a role to play in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. To support that challenge, the Bioinformatics group is seeking a Deep Learning Scientist, located in Durham, North Carolina.

About You
As a Deep Learning Scientist, you are an important member of a diverse team supporting research in predictive and prescriptive technologies to support novel solutions in agriculture. You are passionate about the idea of using machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL) and artificial intelligence to solve biological problems.

Role Purpose:

• Support senior scientists to modify and apply deep learning models
• Join cross-functional research teams to deliver the next generation of predictive and prescriptive technologies to support the product pipeline
• Become an active member of the Bioinformatics group and drive innovation in a rapidly evolving scientific discipline
• Synthesize results and clearly communicate progress and challenges to project team members

Accountabilities 

• Data preparation for internal ML/DL projects, including data QC, basic statistical analysis, preprocessing, etc.
• Identification of public data sources for DL based on identified use cases
• Exploration and internal implementation of new model architectures available in the public domain
• Modification of existing DL model architectures to support new use cases
• Evaluation of model performance with new data 
• Presentation of results to relevant parties
• MS with 1+ years of experience in computer science, biostatistics, bioinformatics or related area
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a highly dynamic and collaborative environment
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without work authorization sponsorship
• Full-time position based at Syngenta’s site in Research Triangle Park, NC, USA

Qualifications

Requirements

• MS with 1+ years of experience in computer science, biostatistics, bioinformatics or related area
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a highly dynamic and collaborative environment
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without work authorization sponsorship
• Full-time position based at Syngenta’s site in Research Triangle Park, NC, USA

Technical skills

• Proficiency in the use of UNIX/Linux and its command-line environment
• Experience coding in Python
• Experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow/Keras
• Experience with deep learning model creation, fine-tuning, hyperparameter optimization, and model deployment
• Proficiency in grid computing (e.g. Univa, Slurm, etc.)
• Familiarity working with version control systems (e.g. Git, CVS, SVN,etc)
• Experience with Jupyter notebooks and conda environments
• Preferred but not required: 
• Experience with MLOps tools (e.g. MLflow)
• Experience with AWS SageMaker
• Biology knowledge
• Experience building/fine-tuning NLP/transformer-based deep learning models

Additional Information

What We Offer:

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution
• Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, 9 Paid Holidays
• Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity, and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year

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.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmla.htm)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC)
(http://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/firststep/poster_direct.htm)

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppa.htm)

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