Associate Principal Scientist, Data Science, Virtual Screening / Receptor Structural Biology
Location: Princeton, NJ
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced data scientist to lead a virtual receptor screening team. The candidate would join dsm-firmenich's Data Science Ingredient Modeling unit and work with a talented team of data scientists, chemists and biologists. Our team is at the forefront of leveraging protein and molecular AI in receptor biology to uncover new possibilities in taste, health, perfumery and beauty for our clients and their customers.
This role offers the opportunity to design, lead and drive interdisciplinary scientific projects, as well as the scientific strategy for our virtual screening and receptor structural biology activities from the data science angle. The selected candidate will integrate the latest advances in computational biology, data science, AI and receptor science while working in close collaboration with leading domain experts. In addition to extensive technical skill, the ideal candidate will have experience leading research teams in a thriving scientific environment and deploying industrialized computational solutions to scientific teams.
At dsm-firmenich, being a force for good is not optional. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a shared responsibility woven into our daily work to not only benefit our People, Customers & Communities but also drive business value. Equal access to opportunities is a given, belonging is a shared feeling, authenticity is celebrated.
Key Responsibilities:
Use data science and AI to drive a fast-paced ingredient discovery & development pipeline that generates maximum value across dsm-firmenich's business units.
Develop and implement accurate ML and protein AI models of receptor-ligand interactions to drive receptor science using deep structural biology knowledge.
Perform in silico screening, docking analyses and energy calculations.
Lead the development and drive the adoption of best practices and common computational tools by our global community of data scientists and scientists.
Build and scientifically lead a dedicated data science team developing and applying methods for virtual screening and receptor structural biology to our knowledge creation and business projects.
Stay up to date on the latest advancements in computational biology, protein and molecular AI and modeling approaches and network as well as collaborate with the global scientific community.
Apply and drive application of modern software development and machine learning tools and practices in your own daily work, as well as that of your team, including a high level of proficiency in python. Familiarity with effective and responsible use of coding agents is highly preferred.
Strongly contribute to building the data science strategy for ingredient discovery, and team up with other data scientists, life science experts and internal science leaders around the globe to drive project success.
data science and AI to deliver use cases with maximum value for dsm-firmenich's, perfumery and beauty, taste, texture and health segments.
Develop and implement ML and AI models for predicting and optimizing performance of formulations in diverse applications.
Support formula creation and product development tools with Data Science models and data pipelines.
Help to translate scientific research findings into practical applications and collaborate with business units to support solutions that address key business needs.
Adopt Data Science best practices and support our global community of data scientists, scientists and experts in perfumery and beaty, taste, texture and health segments.
Be informed of latest advancements in cheminformatics, formulation design, computational biology, molecular AI and modeling approaches.
Apply modern software development and machine learning tools and practices in your daily work, including a high level of proficiency in Python, git, and team co-development workflows. Familiarity with good use of coding agents preferred.
Collaborate with other data scientists and chemistry and physics science experts around the globe to contribute to successful project execution.
We Bring :
Opportunity to join a dynamic and thriving team applying ML and other modeling techniques to biology and chemistry.
Lead and develop your own team, and make major contributions to scientific strategy and projects.
Highly motivated, professional and committed multicultural and interdisciplinary team.
Opportunity to put your scientific skills into practice and bring innovations to market in the health, nutrition and beauty space.
Grow and develop your skills through our in-house training courses.
Being a part of company shaping a strong legacy heritage through industrial innovations and cutting-edge technology.
You Bring :
Ph.D. or similar experience in Receptor Biology, Structural Biology, Computer Science, AI, or a related field.
5-10 years of additional academic or industrial work experience in ingredients, or small molecule discovery, ideally in the drug discovery and/or chemosensory biology field.
Record of accomplishments demonstrating high drive and keen entrepreneurial innovation.
Strong skills and deep experience in computational structural biology, virtual docking and molecular dynamics simulations, including hands-on experience with modern protein AI tools.
Deep understanding of structural and receptor biology, especially chemosensory receptors, including GPCRs and ion channels.
High proficiency in modern ML, python, good code management, and working with CI/CD pipelines.
Experience in leadership of R&D projects and ideally also coaching, mentoring or leading R&D teams.
Excellent problem-solving skills and proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to convey complex concepts to non-experts.
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 $128,000-$183,000.
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 .
The application process
Interested in this position? Please apply online by uploading your resume in English no later than February 13, 2026.
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.
