Senior Scientist, Fermentation - Lexington, MA

About the role

Join our purpose-driven team at DSM-Firmenich, where innovation, diversity, and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do. We are expanding our best-in-class fermentation capability at our Boston, MA Biotechnology Research and Development site to accelerate biotech and microbiome initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Drive the Lexington fermentation strategy and roadmap; champion best practices in aerobic and anaerobic processing from millilitre to 10 L scales.
• Lead continuous improvement of methods, experimental setups, and workflows across R&D teams.
• Mentor, coach, and empower a diverse team of Scientists and Engineers, fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are valued.
• Serve as a problem-solving consultant to internal and external project team members, including laboratory and biomanufacturing personnel.
• Lead communications with internal collaborators, third parties, and strategic partners.
• Work closely with the Lexington Strain Engineering Team and Microbiome Team to direct the development and implementation of (an)aerobic fermentation protocols to identify improved organisms and develop novel processes.
• Carefully coordinate cross-site experiments and knowledge transfer; clearly communicate progress and risks to stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance to quality, environmental, occupational health & safety procedures; uphold aseptic techniques and contamination control.
• Promote a positive, safe, and compliant work environment.

Requirements

• PhD plus 5 years of experience or MSc plus 10 years of experience or BSc plus 15 years of experience in Fermentation Science, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Metabolic Engineering, Microbiology, or related field - or equivalent industry experience.
• Extensive experience with bench scale (10 ml to 10 L) anaerobic and aerobic microbial fermentation equipment and technology leveraging yeast, fungi, and bacteria.
• Broad microbial physiology and gut microbiome research expertise is a strong plus.
• Previous industry and direct team leadership experience with excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Exposure to lab automation workflows and digital bioprocess tools; comfort contributing to internal digital platforms.
• Experience with data analysis and statistical software packages.
• Background collaborating with strain engineering and analytical chemistry teams (omics, modelling, protein engineering) to translate strain capabilities into bioprocess wins.
• An organized, quality-minded, problem-solving orientation; thrives in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments as well as with external collaborator R&D setting.

Qualifications

• Organized, quality-minded, problem-solving orientation; thrives in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments as well as with external collaborator R&D setting.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Comfortable with digital bioprocess tools and lab automation workflows.
• Experience with data analysis and statistical software packages.
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary mindset.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, flexible work arrangements, and support for personal and professional growth.
• Opportunities to grow and develop skills while mentoring and leading a team.
• A globally connected R&D environment with diverse perspectives, advanced facilities, international exposure, and support for professional growth through training and knowledge-exchange programs.
• A commitment to science-based innovations with 2,000 scientists and $700 M annual Science & Research investments.

Pay

$132,000-$170,000. Salary and benefits are competitive and will be based on the applicant's job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location.

Schedule

Lab-based leadership role with hands-on experimentation and on-the-shopfloor coaching.

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.