Scientist, GPCR Biology - San Diego, CA

About the role

dsm-firmenich is a company that decodes human perception to create taste and mouthfeel solutions. This Scientist, GPCR Biology role involves using expertise in G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) biology, pharmacology, and assay development to discover and characterize modulators of taste and oral sensation receptors.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and run cell-based GPCR assays to study receptor function and enable screening of agonists/antagonists/modulators (e.g., Ca²⁺ flux, cAMP, IP-One/IP3, β-arrestin, reporter gene, BRET/FRET-based readouts, SPRM).
• Drive GPCR pharmacology and structure–function investigations: interpret potency/efficacy, bias, desensitization/internalization, allosteric modulation, species variants, and key mutagenesis experiments to map binding and signalling determinants.
• Collaborate closely with Data Science and Computational teams to apply in silico drug discovery approaches, including molecular docking, structure-based modeling, and AI/ML-driven prediction methods, in support of GPCR discovery programs.
• Document, analyze, and communicate results through clear experimental design, statistics, and data visualization; contribute to internal reports, invention disclosures, and cross-functional decision-making in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• PhD in Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Neurobiology, or closely related discipline, with hands-on, experimental expertise in GPCR biology.
• Strong publication record demonstrating in-depth understanding of GPCR signaling and pharmacology, including assay principles, controls, artifacts/interference, and quantitative interpretation (concentration-response modeling, potency/efficacy, bias concepts).
• Strong molecular biology (cloning, transfection, construct design, mutagenesis) and mammalian cell culture skills, with a track record of building reliable cell-based assays.
• Expertise with taste receptors, especially sweet and/or bitter taste receptors structure/function and signaling, and experience designing assays/counter screens suited to these targets highly desirable.
• Experience working at the interface of wet-lab GPCR biology and in silico discovery, including collaboration on docking, structure-guided SAR, or AI-enabled screening and prioritization highly desirable.
• Receptor binding assay experience (radioligand or non-radioactive binding, kinetic binding concepts, competition formats) desirable.
• Data analysis skills in R or Python (dose-response fitting, visualization, statistical rigor) desirable.

Qualifications

The salary or hourly wage scale provided reflects the pay range dsm-firmenich expects to pay the successful candidate for the position. Individual pay offered will be based on the applicant’s job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location. This position is also eligible for bonuses and benefits, which are not included in the pay scale provided. Salary $100,00-$140,000.

Benefits

The company offers a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary R&D environment exploring receptors that shape taste and mouthfeel perception and their industrial applications. There is a culture that fosters teamwork, scientific excellence, safety, and well-being, with strong opportunities for learning and growth. The chance to contribute to innovation platforms that connect receptor biology, sensory science, and data-driven discovery to deliver meaningful consumer experiences.

Schedule

This is a full-time position.

Pay

$100,00-$140,000.

Contact

To apply, please upload your resume in English no later than May 22, 2026. For more information, visit our careers page or contact us at [contact information].