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(Senior) Scientist AI/ML for Protein and Metabolic Engineering
DSM NL Services B.V.
About the role
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. In this role, you will lead the development of advanced, data-driven workflows for enzyme design, pathway optimization, and strain engineering. You’ll collaborate across disciplines to translate complex biological challenges into scalable AI-powered solutions. As a senior contributor, you’ll shape best practices, mentor colleagues, and influence strategic technology decisions. This is a high-impact opportunity to advance sustainable biotechnology and real-world applications of AI-enabled engineering.
What you'll do
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
What you'll bring
A PhD (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or Artificial Intelligence, with a focus 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
What's on offer
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 mln annual Science & Research investments
About the company
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.