(Lead) Technician strain development
Job title: (Lead) Technician strain development
Location: Delft, the Netherlands
We are seeking a highly motivated Technician Strain Development to strengthen our research team at the Center for Biotech Innovation in Delft. In this role, you will contribute to the development of innovative biotechnological processes that enable the production of ingredients and molecules used across a wide range of applications - from everyday food products to perfumery and beauty. You will focus on strain development, working closely with experts from various disciplines to help bring our products from concept to market.
Your key responsibilities
- Apply scientific principles of strain engineering in laboratory settings according to the scientific approach defined in collaboration with a scientist
- Design robust experiments and analyze data to extract meaningful insights and report this data (in English)
- Identify and troubleshoot deviations in experimental outcomes, proposing actionable improvements
- Demonstrate a proactive attitude toward learning and the ability to work independently
- Collaborate effectively across disciplines and contribute to a supportive, team-oriented environment
We offer
- A dynamic R&D environment where you can contribute to impactful innovations in a competitive industry
- Exposure to cutting-edge technologies in industrial strain development
- An international team that is not afraid to think outside of the box
- Supportive career development, with opportunities for both vertical and lateral growth
- A healthy and inclusive workplace, prioritizing physical and mental well-being, along with a competitive benefits package
- A nonhierarchical organization where discussions on content are daily practice
- Based on your experience we will offer you a base salary of € 50,000 to € 70,000 per year (including holiday allowance and 13th month) and extra benefits, such as 25 holiday days, a bonus, the option to buy more holiday days with a 6% my choice budget and much more
You bring
- A Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Genetics, or Industrial Microbiology, combined with a few years of hands-on industry experience
- A strong sense of ownership and accountability - you take initiative, speak up, and follow through. You focus on what matters and drive results
- Experience with microbial screening, strain development (cloning, transformation, gene editing and classical strain improvement) and expertise for non-routine microbiological work in a lab environment
- Preferably you have experience with using yeast and bacteria as well as experience or strong interest in lab robotic systems and data management; willingness to learn in these areas is essential. Bonus points if you have experience with programming languages such as Python, R, or C# - highly competitive candidates will stand out here
- A proactive, solution-oriented mindset - you’re always looking for ways to improve workflows and processes, and you’re not afraid to get hands-on
- A natural curiosity and openness to new ideas - you believe progress starts by asking, “Is there a better way?”
- A collaborative spirit - you thrive in cross-functional, international teams and show initiative when contributing to project work
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.
Our application process
Interested in this position? Please apply on-line by uploading your resume in English via our career portal (www.dsm-firmenich.com/careers). Due to privacy regulations, we can only actively interact with applications via our career portal.
If you have any questions, please contact Ruslana Lohina-Kazimierczak, Talent Acquisition Business Partner (ruslana.lohina@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.