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dsm-firmenich · 2 weeks ago

Associate Principal Scientist, Fermentation - Lexington, MA

Lexington, MA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$150K/yr - $190K/yr

8+ years exp

Dsm-firmenich is a global company focused on innovation, diversity, and sustainability in the biotechnology sector. They are seeking an Associate Principal Scientist in Fermentation to lead the Bioprocess Team, manage fermentation strategies, and foster collaboration across various teams to advance biotech and microbiome initiatives.

BeautyChemicalHealth CareManufacturingNutrition

Responsibilities

Define the Lexington fermentation strategy and roadmap; champion best practices in aerobic and anaerobic processing from millilitre to 10 L scales

Drive continuous improvement of methods, experimental setups, and workflows across R&D teams

Mentor, coach, and empower a diverse team of Scientists and Engineers, fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are values. Serve as a problem-solving consultant to internal and external project team members, including laboratory and biomanufacturing personnel

Lead communications with internal collaborators, third parties, and strategic partners

Work closely with the Lexington Strain Engineering Team and Microbiome Team to direct the development and implementation of (an)aerobic fermentation protocols to identify improved organisms and develop novel processes. Coordinate cross‑site experiments and knowledge transfer; clearly communicate progress and risks to stakeholders

Ensure compliance to quality, environmental, occupational health & safety procedures; uphold aseptic techniques and contamination control. Promote a positive, safe and compliant work environment

Work setting: Lab‑based leadership role with hands‑on experimentation and on‑the‑shopfloor coaching

Qualification

Fermentation ScienceBiotechnologyBiochemical EngineeringMicrobiologyData AnalysisStatistical SoftwareProject ManagementQuality MindedTeam LeadershipCollaborationProblem Solving

Required

PhD plus 8 years of experience or MSc plus 15 years of experience in Fermentation Science, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Metabolic Engineering, Microbiology, or related field - or equivalent industry experience

Extensive experience with bench scale (10 ml to 10 L) anaerobic and aerobic microbial fermentation equipment and technology leveraging yeast, fungi, and bacteria

Understanding of scale-up / scale-down of fermentation and downstream recovery operations

Previous industry and direct team leadership experience with excellent project management and organizational skills (Minimum 5 years of team leadership required)

Exposure to lab automation workflows and digital bioprocess tools; comfort contributing to internal digital platforms

Experience with data analysis and statistical software packages

Background collaborating with strain engineering and analytical chemistry teams (omics, modelling, protein engineering) to translate strain capabilities into bioprocess wins

Organized, quality-minded, problem-solving orientation; thrives in collaborative, interdisciplinary environments as well as with external collaborator R&D setting