Scientist, Research Data Modeling - Princeton, NJ

dsm-firmenich; Princeton (NJ); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

dsm-firmenich seeks a Scientist, Research Data Modeling to design and deliver data models transforming diverse scientific data into trusted, reusable, AI-ready assets. You’ll partner with scientists, data engineers, and governance teams to create practical data structures for research data products across formulation, lab workflows, and omics domains.

The role emphasizes hands-on modeling across conceptual to physical layers, with exposure to modern data platforms and a culture of ongoing

Qualifications

• PhD, Master’s, or Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, engineering, data, informatics, or related discipline, with relevant experience in research, data modelling, data analysis, engineering, or informatics.
• Typically 2+ years of relevant experience for Master’s/Bachelor’s candidates; PhD candidates with relevant research/data experience are also encouraged to apply.
• Hands‑on experience in conceptual, logical, and/or physical data modelling, including approaches such as dimensional, Data Vault, semantic, or entity‑relationship modelling.
• Experience or strong interest in research, R&D, laboratory, formulation, nutrition, biotech, pharma, microbiome, omics, or related scientific data environments.
• Working knowledge of FAIR principles, metadata, data quality, data governance, stewardship, reusable data products, and modern data platforms/tools such as Databricks, Delta Lake, dbt, SQL, Python, or cloud data platforms.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across scientists, data engineers, governance teams, and technical stakeholders to turn ambiguous requirements into structured data models.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain conceptual, logical, and/or physical data models for research and scientific data domains.
• Work with scientists and business stakeholders to understand data needs, capture requirements, and translate them into practical data structures.
• Collaborate with data engineers and platform teams to implement models in Databricks environments, or other enterprise data platforms.
• Apply data modelling standards and best practices, including FAIR principles, metadata management, semantic clarity, and reusable data design.
• Work in multidisciplinary teams across Science & Research, Data Science & AI, Digital & Technology, and business domains.

Skills

Data modeling

Data analysis

Collaboration

Scientific data literacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field

Master’s degree in data/engineering/informatics

PhD in a related discipline

Tools

Databricks

Delta Lake

dbt

SQL

Python

Cloud data platforms

Job description

Scientist, Research Data Modeling

Location: Princeton, NJ

We are seeking a Scientist, Research Data Modeling to join our Data Science & AI organization, working within the Research Data Domain. In this role, you will design and deliver data models that help transform diverse scientific, experimental, and operational research data into trusted, discoverable, reusable, and AI-ready assets.

You will work closely with senior data modelers, scientists, data engineers, data governance specialists, and platform teams to support research data products and use cases across formulation, ingredient discovery, laboratory workflows, experimental data, and other scientific domains.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in data modeling, good technical understanding of modern data platforms, and an interest in applying data management and modeling practices to complex research environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and maintain conceptual, logical, and/or physical data models for research and scientific data domains.
• Work with scientists and business stakeholders to understand data needs, capture requirements, and translate them into practical data structures.
• Collaborate with data engineers and platform teams to implement models in Databricks environments, or other enterprise data platforms.
• Apply data modelling standards and best practices, including FAIR principles, metadata management, semantic clarity, and reusable data design.
• Work in multidisciplinary teams across Science & Research, Data Science & AI, Digital & Technology, and business domains.

We Offer

• A rich history and a promising future of bold scientific innovation and passionate creation for our customers in health, nutrition, and beauty.
• The opportunity to shape foundational research data capabilities that enable analytics, AI, and scientific innovation.
• A hybrid working environment with competitive benefits and a clear scientific career progression within Science & Research.
• A global, diverse, and multicultural team of colleagues across scientific, technical, and business disciplines.
• A space to grow by encouraging curiosity, openness, experimentation, and continuous learning.
• Barrier-free communities where every employee is equally valued and respected, regardless of background, beliefs, or identity.
• An eagerness to be one team and learn from each other to bring progress to life and create a better future.

You Bring

• PhD, Master’s, or Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, engineering, data, informatics, or related discipline, with relevant experience in research, data modelling, data analysis, engineering, or informatics.
• Typically 2+ years of relevant experience for Master’s/Bachelor’s candidates; PhD candidates with relevant research/data experience are also encouraged to apply.
• Hands‑on experience in conceptual, logical, and/or physical data modelling, including approaches such as dimensional, Data Vault, semantic, or entity‑relationship modelling.
• Experience or strong interest in research, R&D, laboratory, formulation, nutrition, biotech, pharma, microbiome, omics, or related scientific data environments.
• Working knowledge of FAIR principles, metadata, data quality, data governance, stewardship, reusable data products, and modern data platforms/tools such as Databricks, Delta Lake, dbt, SQL, Python, or cloud data platforms.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across scientists, data engineers, governance teams, and technical stakeholders to turn ambiguous requirements into structured data models.

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-$140,000.

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.