Scientist Downstream Processing - Columbia, MD

dsm-firmenich; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The Scientist, Downstream Process Development at dsm-firmenich in Columbia, MD leads development of downstream bioprocesses and scales them from bench to production. You will design experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with Strain Improvement, Fermentation, Analytical, Manufacturing and Quality teams to enable sustainable lipid-based ingredients.

Requires 5+ years in industry with DSP experience; strong communication, ownership mindset, and ability to drive complex projects from concept to

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of hands-on industry experience.
• Hands-on experience with lab and/or pilot scale bioprocessing recovery equipment.
• Understanding of unit operations, M&E balances, and separation technologies.
• Statistics and DOE experience; Six Sigma is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Scientific Excellence and Thought Leadership: apply knowledge in separations to projects and related processes.
• Process Development and Optimization: design, execute, and analyze downstream processes at bench scale and scale-up.
• Cross-functional collaboration: work with Strain Improvement, Fermentation, Analytical, Manufacturing and Quality to drive implementation.

Skills

DSP processes

DOE

Statistics

Six Sigma

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering

Biotechnology/MS/PhD considered

Tools

Pilot scale equipment

Separations equipment

Job description

Scientist, Downstream Process Development

Location: Columbia, MD

We are seeking a talented and motivated Scientist with expertise in Downstream Processing (DSP), ideally within the field of Biotechnology, to strengthen our research team at the Columbia Biotechnology research hub of dsm-firmenich. In this role, you will lead and contribute to the development of innovative biotechnological processes that enable production of ingredients and products used across a wide range of applications.

The Columbia site serves as the Center of Excellence for Lipids within dsm-firmenich. The successful candidate will bring experience with oil and lipid chemistry, emulsions, and separations technologies. We are looking for a natural communicator, orally and in writing, as well as a team player who can think, act, and discuss scientific concepts and discoveries across disciplines in a constructive and collaborative way. This role offers the opportunity to be innovative with an entrepreneurial way of working. In addition, you will have the opportunity to lead the planning and execution of complex science and research projects including reviews, reporting, and stakeholder management.

Key Responsibilities

• Scientific Excellence and Thought Leadership: Apply relevant scientific and engineering knowledge in separations processes to projects and interconnected processes with an eye towards enabling environmentally beneficial and cost competitive biobased solutions to global challenges around nutrition, health, and beauty.
• Process Development and Optimization: Design, execute, and analyze downstream processes at bench scale. Drive opportunities to optimize existing processes at production scale, with a thorough understanding of scale down, scale up, and tech transfer.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with Strain Improvement, Fermentation, Analytical, Manufacturing, and Quality to resolve complex bioprocess challenges. Visualize and present data and conclusions, convincing stakeholders to move solutions from the lab towards implementation.

We Offer

• A dynamic R&D environment where you can contribute to impactful innovations.
• A diversity of exciting projects related to lipids, foods and products used everyday by millions of people.
• A diverse, international, and interdisciplinary team of industry-leading researchers with a well-equipped research facility.
• Supportive career development, with opportunities for both vertical and lateral growth.
• The opportunity to be a part of a company both building upon and shaping a strong legacy through breakthrough industrial innovations and technology.

You Bring

• BS in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of hands‑on experience in industry. MS or PhD in applicable disciplines can be considered partially in lieu of industrial experience.
• A proven track record on process and product innovation with demonstrated hands‑on experience with lab and/or pilot scale bioprocessing recovery equipment.
• Keen understanding of unit operations, M&E balances, and separation technologies, with experience developing DSP trains and interconnected modeling approaches thereof.
• Understanding and experience applying statistics and DOE in development of experimental workplans; Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• A strong sense of ownership, accountability, and motivation with good prioritization and organizational skills.
• A collaborative spirit – you thrive in cross-functional, international teams and show initiative when contributing to project work.

The salary or hourly wage scale provided reflects the pay range dsm-firmenich expects to pay the successful candidate for the position. Individual pay offered will be based on the applicant’s job‑related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location. This position is also eligible for bonuses and benefits, which are not included in the pay scale provided. Salary $100,000-$135,000.

In addition to base salary, we also offer a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of annual incentive pay, a retirement savings plan, health care coverage, paid time off, recognition programs and a broad range of other benefits. All benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.

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.