Associate Scientist Process Safety
Job title - Associate Scientist Process Safety (77993)
Location – Geneva, Switzerland
As a successful applicant, you will join our multi-disciplinary team in our Science & Research Process Safety Laboratory located in La Plaine, Geneva. As a Process Safety Expert, you will provide technical expertise and guidance to organic chemists during the development of new synthetic routes. You will also be responsible for interpreting thermal test results, creating and reviewing reports, and managing associated priorities to ensure timely completion. Your work will directly contribute to the design of safe, efficient, and sustainable processes across a wide range of technologies, including batch, semi-batch, continuous, and powder-based operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide technical expertise and guidance during the development of new synthetic routes and process transfers, collaborating closely with organic chemists and cross-functional teams.
- Conduct and interpret thermal safety tests (DSC, C80, ARC, AKTS, RC1, powder assessments) and translate results into actionable process safety insights.
- Support chemical hazard assessments and risk analysis studies (HAZOP, What-if, JBRA…), ensuring alignment with pilot plant schedules and production timelines.
- Perform hands-on experimental work in the lab and manage priorities to ensure timely completion of safety evaluations. Work independently on specific process safety projects while also contributing to shared routine tasks within the laboratory to ensure continuity and collective efficiency.
- Implement and promote process safety strategies within global R&D activities, supporting projects across multiple international sites.
- Act as a reference in chemical process safety, ATEX, and risk analysis, participating in project meetings and development reviews.
We offer:
- Being part of an interdisciplinary team of industry-leading researchers with state-of-the-art equipped research facility.
- A diversity of exciting projects related to foods and fragranced products.
- Career development opportunities.
- To be part of a company shaping a strong legacy through breakthrough industrial innovations and technology.
You Bring:
- A degree in chemistry (MSc or Engineer) with a specialization in process safety or chemical engineering is required. In-depth knowledge of organic chemistry and reaction mechanisms is necessary.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in a multi-product production environment and in a process safety lab is preferred.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to find pragmatic solutions within constraints such as those in pilot and production environments are crucial, along with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams (S&R, pilot, production, SHE department, etc) and stakeholders.
- We are looking for a motivated individual who is curious, creative, rigorous, and efficient. The ideal candidate will be passionate about process safety and excited to work in a dynamic, cross-functional environment, and have excellent interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
- Fluency in both English and French is required.
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 via our career portal (www.dsm-firmenich.com/careers).
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.