(Senior) Scientist AI/ML for Protein and Metabolic Engineering

dsm-firmenich; Delft; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

In-house training programs

Global cross-disciplinary teamwork

Job summary

dsm-firmenich’s Computational Biotechnology team seeks an AI/ML-focused data scientist to drive next-gen protein and metabolic engineering efforts. You will develop data-driven workflows for enzyme design and pathway optimization, translating complex results into actionable insights while mentoring colleagues and shaping technology choices.

This senior role emphasizes best practices, scalable platforms, and collaboration across disciplines to deliver high-impact biotech solutions with real-world

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant field with a focus on computational protein/strain engineering.
• 3–7 years of experience applying data- and knowledge-driven methods in protein/metabolic engineering.
• Hands-on with foundation models in biology and sequence/structure-aware models.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI/ML workflows to accelerate protein and metabolic engineering across business segments.
• Develop models for DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolic pathways and integrate into engineering workflows.
• Translate modeling results into clear, actionable insights for teams and customers.
• Promote best practices, standards, and scalable platforms in data and life sciences.
• Monitor advances in computational biology and AI to drive method adoption.

Skills

PhD required

3–7 years exp

Biology foundation models

Deep learning

Transformers/GNNs/Diffusion

HPC / distributed compute

Python

Education

PhD in Biochemistry/CS/Bioinformatics/AI

Tools

TensorFlow/PyTorch

Job description

We are looking for a highly skilled AI/ML-focused data scientist to join dsm-firmenich’s Computational Biotechnology team, driving next-generation innovations in protein and metabolic engineering. In this role, you will lead the development of advanced, data-driven workflows for enzyme design, pathway optimization, and strain engineering. You’ll collaborate across disciplines to translate complex biological challenges into scalable AI-powered solutions. As a senior contributor, you’ll shape best practices, mentor colleagues, and influence strategic technology decisions. This is a high-impact opportunity to advance sustainable biotechnology and real-world applications of AI-enabled engineering.

Job title: (Senior) Scientist AI/ML for Protein and Metabolic Engineering

Your key responsibilities

• Lead the application of AI and data science to accelerate high-impact protein and metabolic engineering across key business segments
• Develop and continuously improve advanced models for DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolic pathways, integrating them into engineering workflows
• Translate complex modeling results into clear, actionable insights for teams, stakeholders, and customers
• Establish and promote best practices, standards, and scalable platforms within the global data and life sciences community
• Monitor emerging advances in computational biology and AI, driving adoption of innovative methods with strategic value
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams worldwide, applying modern ML and software engineering practices to deliver project success

We offer

• The opportunity to join a dynamic and fast-growing team applying AI/ML and advanced modeling techniques to biotechnology
• A highly motivated, professional, multicultural, and interdisciplinary work environment
• The chance to apply your scientific expertise to innovations in health, nutrition, and beauty
• Continuous learning and development through in-house training programs
• The opportunity to be part of a company with a strong legacy of industrial innovation and cutting-edge technology
• A science-driven organization with over 2,000 scientists and more than 700 mln annual Science & Research investments

You bring

• A PhD (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on computational approaches to protein and strain engineering
• 3–7 years of academic or industry experience applying data- and knowledge-driven methods in protein and/or metabolic engineering
• Hands-on experience with foundation models in biology, including fine-tuning and applying sequence, structure-aware, generative, and pathway models to real-world challenges
• Strong expertise in deep learning, with practical experience in architectures such as transformers, GNNs, and/or diffusion models, ideally incorporating biological priors
• Experience working with HPC environments and large-scale AI/ML workflows, including distributed computing and GPU-accelerated model training and deployment
• Proficiency in Python and modern ML practices, combined with strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills, and a track record of innovation and impact

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.