Lead Technician
Job title – Lead Technician
Location – Delft, The Netherlands
Join dsm-firmenich’s Center for Food Innovation and help shape the future of savory and plant-based ingredients. As a Lead Technician in Food Technology, you’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to develop next-generation yeast extracts and other food ingredients supporting our Taste Texture and Health business. If you enjoy hands-on experimentation, turning insights into innovation, and working in a dynamic R&D environment where curiosity and teamwork drive real impact, this opportunity is for you.
Your key responsibilities
- Independently plan, prepare, and execute lab experiments—ranging from enzymatic incubations and extractions to rheological measurements and the preparation of food-grade samples for tasting—using biochemical assays when needed.
- Design experiments based on technical hypotheses, analyze the resulting data, and engage in meaningful discussions with scientists and fellow lab technicians.
- Present findings with clarity, draw conclusions, and propose next steps to move the work forward.
- Embrace automated workflows and explore the potential of AI to enhance experimentation and data analysis where relevant.
- Manage labs, take ownership of analytical equipment and ensure optimal performance, proper maintenance and troubleshooting when necessary.
- Prioritize safety in every task, ensuring and adherence to safety protocols, embedding it as a core part of your daily routine.
We offer
- A Purpose-Driven Mission
Be part of an organization where sustainability is more than a goal—it’s embedded in our strategy and daily practices, empowering you to make a real impact on the world around you. - Flexibility with Ownership
Thrive in a flexible work environment that encourages you to take ownership, drive accountability, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. - A Legacy of Innovation
Join a company with a rich history of scientific breakthroughs and a future full of opportunities to co-create with our customers. - Room to Grow
Develop your potential in a culture that values curiosity and supports continuous personal and professional growth. - Well-Being at the Core
Work in an environment where safety and well-being—both physical and mental—are prioritized and genuinely cared for. - A Truly Inclusive Culture
Belong to a community where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of background, beliefs, or identity. Diversity is not just welcomed, it’s celebrated.
You bring
- A BSc or MSc in Food Technology, (Applied) Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related Life Sciences field.
- Hands-on experience with enzymatic incubations, ideally across various substrates such as carbohydrates and proteins.
- Preferably over 5 years of laboratory experience in Life Sciences, preferably within an R&D or innovation setting. Familiarity with food-grade environments is a plus.
- A generalist mindset—flexible, adaptable, and ready to contribute across different techniques and project teams.
- A self-driven, can-do attitude with strong organizational skills, capable of managing multiple projects and shifting priorities with ease.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal, enabling clear collaboration and reporting.
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 online by uploading your resume in English via our career portal. Due to privacy regulations, we can only actively interact with applications via our career portal.
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.