(Senior) Scientist AI/ML for Protein and Metabolic Engineering

Job title: (Senior) Scientist AI/ML for Protein and Metabolic Engineering

Location: Delft, Netherlands

We are looking for a highly skilled AI/ML-focused data scientist to join dsm-firmenich’s Computational Biotechnology team, driving next-generation innovations in protein and metabolic engineering. In this role, you will lead the development of advanced, data-driven workflows for enzyme design, pathway optimization, and strain engineering. You’ll collaborate across disciplines to translate complex biological challenges into scalable AI-powered solutions. As a senior contributor, you’ll shape best practices, mentor colleagues, and influence strategic technology decisions. This is a high-impact opportunity to advance sustainable biotechnology and real-world applications of AI-enabled engineering.

Your key responsibilities

• Lead the application of AI and data science to accelerate high-impact protein and metabolic engineering across key business segments

• Develop and continuously improve advanced models for DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolic pathways, integrating them into engineering workflows

• Translate complex modeling results into clear, actionable insights for teams, stakeholders, and customers

• Establish and promote best practices, standards, and scalable platforms within the global data and life sciences community

• Monitor emerging advances in computational biology and AI, driving adoption of innovative methods with strategic value

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams worldwide, applying modern ML and software engineering practices to deliver project success

We offer

• The opportunity to join a dynamic and fast-growing team applying AI/ML and advanced modeling techniques to biotechnology

• A highly motivated, professional, multicultural, and interdisciplinary work environment

• The chance to apply your scientific expertise to innovations in health, nutrition, and beauty

• Continuous learning and development through in-house training programs

• The opportunity to be part of a company with a strong legacy of industrial innovation and cutting-edge technology

• A science-driven organization with over 2,000 scientists and more than 700 mln annual Science & Research investments

You bring

• A PhD (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on computational approaches to protein and strain engineering

• 3–7 years of academic or industry experience applying data- and knowledge-driven methods in protein and/or metabolic engineering

• Hands-on experience with foundation models in biology, including fine-tuning and applying sequence, structure-aware, generative, and pathway models to real-world challenges

• Strong expertise in deep learning, with practical experience in architectures such as transformers, GNNs, and/or diffusion models, ideally incorporating biological priors

• Experience working with HPC environments and large-scale AI/ML workflows, including distributed computing and GPU-accelerated model training and deployment

• Proficiency in Python and modern ML practices, combined with strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills, and a track record of innovation and impact

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Our application process

Interested in this position? Please apply on-line by uploading your resume in English via our career portal (www.dsm-firmenich.com/careers). Due to privacy regulations, we can only actively interact with applications via our career portal.

If you have any questions, please contact Ruslana Lohina-Kazimierczak, Talent Acquisition Business Partner ([email protected]).

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement

We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.