Senior Scientist AI​/ML Protein and Metabolic Engineering

Job title: (Senior) Scientist AI/ML for Protein and Metabolic Engineering

Location: Delft, Netherlands

We are looking for a highly skilled AI/ML-focused data scientist to join dsm-firmenich’s Computational Biotechnology team, driving next-generation innovations in protein and metabolic engineering. The senior contributor will lead the development of advanced, data-driven workflows for enzyme design, pathway optimization, and strain engineering. You’ll collaborate across disciplines, shape best practices, mentor colleagues, and influence strategic technology decisions.

• Lead the application of AI and data science to accelerate high-impact protein and metabolic engineering across key business segments.
• Develop and continuously improve advanced models for DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolic pathways, integrating them into engineering workflows.
• Translate complex modeling results into clear, actionable insights for teams, stakeholders, and customers.
• Establish and promote best practices, standards, and scalable platforms within the global data and life sciences community.
• Monitor emerging advances in computational biology and AI, driving adoption of innovative methods with strategic value.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams worldwide, applying modern ML and software engineering practices to deliver project success.

• The opportunity to join a dynamic and fast-growing team applying AI/ML and advanced modeling techniques to biotechnology.
• A highly motivated, professional, multicultural, and interdisciplinary work environment.
• The chance to apply your scientific expertise to innovations in health, nutrition, and beauty.
• Continuous learning and development through in-house training programs.
• The opportunity to be part of a company with a strong legacy of industrial innovation and cutting‑edge technology.
• A science-driven organization with over 2,000 scientists and more than 700 million annual Science & Research investments.

• A PhD (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or Artificial Intelligence, focusing on computational approaches to protein and strain engineering.
• 3–7 years of academic or industry experience applying data- and knowledge-driven methods in protein and/or metabolic engineering.
• Hands‑on experience with foundation models in biology, including fine-tuning and applying sequence, structure-aware, generative, and pathway models to real-world challenges.
• Strong expertise in deep learning, with practical experience in architectures such as transformers, GNNs, and/or diffusion models, ideally incorporating biological priors.
• Experience working with HPC environments and large-scale AI/ML workflows, including distributed computing and GPU-accelerated model training and deployment.
• Proficiency in Python and modern ML practices, combined with strong problem-solving, collaboration and communication skills, and a track record of innovation and impact.

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 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.