Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Photochemistry (12 months contract)

dsm-firmenich; Genf; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

State-of-the-art facilities

International and multidisciplinary团队

Job summary

dsm-firmenich in Satigny, Geneva, Switzerland invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Photochemistry (12 months). The role focuses on designing and optimizing photochemical transformations to create fragrance ingredients and advance scalable processes.

You will explore reaction mechanisms, apply cutting-edge photochemical techniques, and analyze products with GC, HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR, collaborating across disciplines while upholding rigorous safety standards.

Qualifications

• PhD in Organic Chemistry or Photochemistry.
• Hands-on photochemical experience and synthetic organic chemistry.
• Ability to design and execute research programs independently.
• Strong understanding of reaction mechanisms and analytical characterization.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize photochemical transformations for fragrance ingredients.
• Investigate reaction mechanisms and improve efficiency and selectivity.
• Apply photochemical methodologies to solve synthetic challenges.
• Monitor and characterize intermediates and products using GC, HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to move ideas to manufacturing.
• Contribute to scientific visibility via internal presentations, patents, publications, and collaborations.
• Support a culture of safety and scientific excellence.

Skills

Photochemistry

Organic synthesis

Analytical techniques

Independent research

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Photochemistry

Tools

GC

HPLC

LC-MS

NMR

Job description

Job title- Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Photochemistry (12 months contract) (82965)

Location– Satigny, Geneva, Switzerland

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize innovative photochemical transformations for the synthesis of fragrance ingredients.
• Investigate reaction mechanisms and identify opportunities to enhance reaction efficiency and selectivity.
• Apply advanced photochemical methodologies and emerging technologies to solve complex synthetic challenges.
• Monitor and characterize reaction intermediates and products using analytical techniques such as GC, HPLC, LC-MS, and NMR.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to accelerate innovation from concept to manufacturing.
• Contribute to the scientific visibility of the organization through internal presentations, patents, publications, and external collaborations when appropriate.
• Actively support a culture of safety and scientific excellence.

We Offer

• The opportunity to shape future fragrance ingredients through photochemical innovation.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and scientific expertise.
• Collaboration with leading experts in process chemistry, catalysis and analytical sciences.
• A stimulating and entrepreneurial research environment where ideas can rapidly create business impact.
• Exposure to the full innovation journey, from early discovery through industrial implementation.
• Competitive compensation and benefits in an international and purpose-driven organization.

You Bring

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry or Photochemistry.
• Strong hands-on experience in photochemical reactions and synthetic organic chemistry.
• Demonstrated scientific creativity and ability to independently design and execute research programs.
• Solid understanding of reaction mechanisms and modern analytical characterization techniques.
• Interest in translating fundamental research into scalable and commercially relevant processes.
• Strong experimental rigor and commitment to laboratory safety and best practices.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and international teams.
• Proficiency in scientific data analysis and standard software tools.
• Fluency in English; French is considered an advantage.

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.

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.