Associate Scientist Nutrition and Health

Job Title: Associate Scientist Nutrition and Health
City, Country: France, Houdan

Dsm-Firmenich Houdan, part of dsm-firmenich’s Health, Nutrition, and Care Business Unit, produces heat killed fermentation products (postbiotics) for nutrition and health of humans and animals, with a focus on digestive health. The site is looking for a highly motivated Associate Scientist to reinforce our Innovation and R&D. Responsibilities include technical product support, laboratory work (microbiology), and support with design, execution, and analysis of R&D trials (preclinical and clinical). The Associate Scientist will be based in Houdan (up to 40% home office possible, depending on project requirements) and will report to the local Innovation Director. He or she will collaborate company-wide with scientists in Kaiseraugst (Switzerland) and other international locations and manage R&D activities in innovation projects. The Associate Scientist will also interact with global and regional business units for customer support and scientific training. The Associate scientist will further collaborate and interact with technicians in Quality and Production.

Your key responsibilities:

Manage the R&D laboratory.
Manage flow-cytometry R&D and provide occasional support to Quality.
Manage digital droplet PCR R&D and provide occasional support to Quality.
Perform small scale pilot fermentation experiments for process improvement and for Innovation projects.
Shipment of samples to clients or regional offices.
Manage preclinical studies at dsm-firmenich and with external partners (CROs, universities).
Support analyses of clinical trials with universities and CROs, mainly in the field of metagenomics and metabolomics.

Manage or support nutrition studies with pets.
Analyze experimental data and present data to internal stakeholders, clients, and at conferences.
Participate in company-wide technical meetings on ongoing projects and brainstorming meetings for next generation products.

We offer:

A purpose-led organization that embeds sustainability and science into every decision.
A flexible and inclusive work environment where curiosity, creativity, and collaboration are encouraged.
A workplace where you can be your authentic self and feel valued for your unique perspectives.
The opportunity to be part of a team that turns deep human understanding into products that delight consumers and meet societal needs.

You bring:

Master’s degree in microbiology, nutrition, or biology.
Experience with R&D in a business environment (professional experience or long internship).
Skilled with flow cytometry, (digital droplet) PCR, microbial fermentation.
Fluent English, fluent French highly recommended.
Well organized, good communication and planning skills.
Independent, organized, motivated, able to get along with and supervise collaborators with a variety of backgrounds.
Documented knowledge of digestive health and nutrition.
Excellent analytical skills, strong statistics skills.
Able to work under pressure in a fast-paced organization with a multitude of transversal projects

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 on-line by uploading your resume in English via our career portal. For further information, please contact Sarah Mehdi, Talent Acquisition Business Partner (Sarah.Mehdi@dsm-firmenich.com).

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.