Principal Scientist, Data Science and AI - Princeton, NJ

dsm-firmenich; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

A broad variety of projects

Collaborative team environment

Unique career paths

Impact on millions of consumers

Job summary

dsm-firmenich is seeking a Principal Scientist in Data Science and AI in Princeton, NJ. You will lead the development of scalable pipelines and framework for advanced analytics while mentoring junior data scientists. This role demands collaboration across teams and offers a chance to impact millions with innovative projects.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a related field, has extensive experience in R&D, and commands expertise in molecular biology and data science. Salary ranges from $180,000 to $260,000, coupled with bonuses and benefits.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of post-doc experience predominantly in industrial R&D.
• Proven history of leading high-impact discovery and clinical programs.

Responsibilities

• Direct the development of scalable pipelines for dataset harmonization.
• Establish AI/ML-assisted multi-criteria scoring systems.
• Create comprehensive scientific evidence packages.

Skills

Expert-level command of human molecular biology

Deep expertise in Python/R

Familiarity with large-scale cohort data

Understanding of metadata management

Education

PhD in Computational Biology or related field with 10+ years of experience

Job description

Principal Scientist, Data Science and AI

Location: Princeton, NJ

Key Responsibilities

• Architectural Vision: Direct the development of scalable pipelines for the ingestion and harmonization of massive, heterogeneous human cohort datasets. Lead the design and implementation of a standardized analytical framework that integrates high‑dimensional data (diet, lifestyle, host‑microbiome omics, and clinical outcomes).
• Decision Frameworks: Establish AI/ML‑assisted multi‑criteria scoring systems to prioritize ingredients based on novelty, biological relevance, and commercial viability.
• Evidence Orchestration: Oversee the creation of comprehensive scientific evidence packages, ensuring that every data science output is grounded in biological plausibility and robust enough to withstand clinical scrutiny.
• Cross‑Functional Influence: Act as a key strategic partner to other Data Science groups, Life Science and other research organizations, as well as the business unit of Health Nutrition and Care. Ensure data science is integrated into the earliest stages of experimental design.
• Innovation Catalyst: Champion the adoption of state‑of‑the‑art AI tooling, including Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), to revolutionize how the organization synthesizes knowledge and generates novel hypotheses.
• Mentorship: Provide technical mentorship to junior data scientists, fostering a culture of systems‑oriented thinking and code reusability.

We Offer

• A broad variety of projects, data types, and statistical approaches, ensuring you never stop learning and can apply a wide range of methods.
• A team of diverse, open‑minded colleagues who aren’t afraid to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.
• A truly global and collaborative team environment that cares about our employees’ experience and growth.
• Unique career paths across health, nutrition and beauty – explore what drives you and get the support to make it happen.
• A chance to impact millions of consumers every day – sustainability embedded in all we do.

You Bring

• PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology or a related quantitative field with 10+ years of post‑doctoral experience (predominantly in an industrial R&D setting).
• Expert‑level command of human molecular biology, with a focus on leveraging processed multi‑omics and microbiome data for advanced analytics.
• Familiarity with large‑scale cohort data and the challenges of working with real‑world evidence.
• Proven history of leading high‑impact discovery, translational science programs and/or clinical programs that resulted in successful product launches or major scientific breakthroughs.
• Deep expertise in Python/R and a track record of building production‑grade analytical frameworks.
• A forward‑thinking approach to using Large Language Models (LLM) for scientific knowledge extraction and automated hypothesis generation.
• Understanding of metadata management and harmonization frameworks for large‑scale longitudinal research data is a plus.
• Comfortable operating at the complex intersection of data science & AI, human biology, and global research and development. Capable of distilling high‑dimensional technical complexity into a clear, persuasive narrative for non‑technical stakeholders.

Salary: $180,000 - $260,000. This position is also eligible for bonuses and benefits, which are not included in the pay scale provided.

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. We’re proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer and are committed to fairness and inclusiveness in our hiring process. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds.