Lead Technician

dsm-firmenich; Delft; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexibility with Ownership

Room to Grow

Well-Being at the Core

Job summary

dsm-firmenich is seeking a Lead Technician in Food Technology to join their Center for Food Innovation in Delft, Netherlands. In this role, you will collaborate with experts to develop next-generation yeast extracts and contribute to an innovative R&D environment.

Your responsibilities include planning and executing lab experiments, managing analytical equipment, and ensuring safety protocols. A BSc or MSc in Food Technology or related field, along with hands-on laboratory experience, is required. Enjoy a flexible work environment that values sustainability and continuous growth.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with enzymatic incubations and various substrates.
• Over 5 years of laboratory experience in Life Sciences, preferably R&D.
• Self-driven attitude with strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and execute lab experiments for food ingredients.
• Design experiments based on hypotheses and analyze data.
• Manage labs, ensuring optimal performance of analytical equipment.

Skills

Experimental planning and execution

Data analysis

Hands-on experimentation

Communication skills

Education

BSc or MSc in Food Technology, Biochemistry, or related field

Job description

Job description

Join dsm-firmenich’s Center for Food Innovation and help shape the future of savory and plant-based ingredients. As a Lead Technician in Food Technology, you’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to develop next-generation yeast extracts and other food ingredients supporting our Taste Texture and Health business. If you enjoy hands-on experimentation, turning insights into innovation, and working in a dynamic R&D environment where curiosity and teamwork drive real impact, this opportunity is for you.

Your key responsibilities

• Independently plan, prepare, and execute lab experiments—ranging from enzymatic incubations and extractions to rheological measurements and the preparation of food-grade samples for tasting—using biochemical assays when needed.
• Design experiments based on technical hypotheses, analyze the resulting data, and engage in meaningful discussions with scientists and fellow lab technicians.
• Present findings with clarity, draw conclusions, and propose next steps to move the work forward.
• Embrace automated workflows and explore the potential of AI to enhance experimentation and data analysis where relevant.
• Manage labs, take ownership of analytical equipment and ensure optimal performance, proper maintenance and troubleshooting when necessary.
• Prioritize safety in every task, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and embedding it as a core part of your daily routine.

We offer

• A Purpose-Driven Mission
  Be part of an organization where sustainability is more than a goal—it’s embedded in our strategy and daily practices, empowering you to make a real impact on the world around you.
• Flexibility with Ownership
  Thrive in a flexible work environment that encourages you to take ownership, drive accountability, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• A Legacy of Innovation
  Join a company with a rich history of scientific breakthroughs and a future full of opportunities to co-create with our customers.
• Room to Grow
  Develop your potential in a culture that values curiosity and supports continuous personal and professional growth.
• Well-Being at the Core
  Work in an environment where safety and well-being—both physical and mental—are prioritized and genuinely cared for.

You bring

• A BSc or MSc in Food Technology, (Applied) Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related Life Sciences field.
• Hands-on experience with enzymatic incubations, ideally across various substrates such as carbohydrates and proteins.
• Preferably over 5 years of laboratory experience in Life Sciences, preferably within an R&D or innovation setting. Familiarity with food-grade environments is a plus.
• A generalist mindset—flexible, adaptable, and ready to contribute across different techniques and project teams.
• A self-driven, can-do attitude with strong organizational skills, capable of managing multiple projects and shifting priorities with ease.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal, enabling clear collaboration and reporting.

About dsm-firmenich

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

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.