Scientist in Smell Psychophysics & Olfactometry
Job title - Scientist in Smell Psychophysics & Olfactometry (80242)
Location – Satigny, Geneva, Switzerland
We are seeking a Scientist with deep technical expertise in Olfactory Perception and
Psychophysics. This role focuses on advancing our understanding of the perceptual, cognitive,
and mechanistic processes that underlie all aspects of odor perception. The successful
candidate will lead a small team and innovative research program, collaborate with
multidisciplinary R&D teams, and translate rigorous perceptual science into actionable insights
for fragrance innovation. If you are passionate about olfactory science and human chemosensory
perception, we encourage you to apply and join our global Perception & Cognitive Neuroscience
team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, implement, and oversee a broad range of olfactory psychophysical assessments
- from fundamental tests such as detection thresholds to the development and
- application of innovative perceptual paradigms that probe temporal dynamics, mixture
- interactions, odor quality perception, and other higher-order aspects of odor perception.
- Analyze and interpret perceptual and psychophysical data using advanced statistical
- and computational approaches.
- Present results and ideas to peers and business partners; produce high-quality lab
- reports, manuscripts and patents.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate research findings into product
- development and innovation strategies
- Contribute to the evolution of methodological standards and best practices in olfactory
- psychophysics within the organization.
- Lead and develop the team through clear objectives and capability building to support
- high performance and future growth.
We offer:
- Being part of an interdisciplinary team of industry-leading researchers.
- A diversity of exciting projects related to foods and fragranced products.
- The opportunity to work for a highly socially responsible company where sustainability is much more
- than a claim and is core to our strategy and purpose.
- Career development opportunities with great opportunities to learn and grow.
- To be part of a company shaping a strong legacy through breakthrough industrial innovations and
- technology.
- Equal Opportunity Employer.
You Bring:
- Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in Psychology or a related field that includes
- Psychophysics.
- 5-10 years of research experience in olfactory perception.
- Experience in an industrial setting and creating business value from science.
- Proficiency in behavioral and psychophysical research methods (e.g., threshold
- measurement, signal detection theory, adaptive methods) and advanced statistical
- analysis.
- Proficiency in a programming or scripting language (e.g., R, Python, Matlab) will be a plus.
- Proven experience leading and optimizing olfactometry platforms, including system
- validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of stimulus delivery
- performance.
- Fluency in English.
- Excellent communication and organization skills.
- Track record of people management and leadership skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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.