Route-Scouting Expert & Process Development Chemist

Job title - Route-Scouting Expert & Process Development Chemist (82221)

Location – Geneva, Switzerland

As a Laboratory Head in the Process Development group, your role involves the discovery and transfer of efficient and cost-effective Next Generation Processes from laboratory to pilot and production scales.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and assess possible synthetic routes, from well-known chemistry to cutting-edge approaches, including innovative catalytic methodologies.
• Transfer safe, economically viable, and industrially amenable processes to production.
• Manage research projects end to end, from development through industrialization.
• Maintain a high level of expertise by reviewing current scientific literature (publications), the industrial state of the art (patents), and participating in scientific seminars and meetings.
• Initiate and lead external collaborations with academic or industrial partners to unlock new technology opportunities.
• Ensure high environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of safety practices.
• Document and communicate project results, progress, and recommendations through technical reports and presentations.
• Lead a team of 1-2 laboratory technicians.

We offer:

• Join an interdisciplinary Science & Research team of industry-leading experts and work in a state-of-the-art facility.
• A unique opportunity to be involved across the full lifecycle of a new chemical process, from laboratory work and pilot testing to production transfer.
• A diverse range of exciting projects related to food and fragrance products.
• The opportunity to work for a highly socially responsible company where sustainability is much more than a claim and is core to our strategy and purpose.
• Career development support with many opportunities to learn and grow.
• To be part of a company shaping a strong legacy through breakthrough industrial innovations and technologies.

You Bring:

• PhD in synthetic organic chemistry with proven expertise in route scouting.
• Several years of experience in an industrial environment are not mandatory but would be a plus.
• Open-minded and out-of-the-box thinker with a strong drive to tackle new challenges and innovate in a Process Development department.
• Collaborative and self-driven professional with the ability to build strong relationships, foster knowledge sharing, and deliver results both independently and within the team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage effectively in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Good written and oral English skills. A working knowledge of French is an advantage; willingness to learn is mandatory.

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.

The application process

Interested in this position? Please apply on-line by uploading your resume via our career portal (www. dsm-firmenich.com/careers).

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.

www.dsm-firmenich.com

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.