Senior Scientist, Chemosensory Perception and Cognitive Neuroscience - Princeton, NJ

Senior Scientist, Chemosensory Perception and Cognitive Neuroscience

Location: Princeton, NJ

As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss-Dutch company, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life™ every day, everywhere, for billions of people. At dsm-firmenich, being a force for good is not optional. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a shared responsibility woven into our daily work to not only benefit our People, Customers & Communities but also drive business value. Equal access to opportunities is a given, belonging is a shared feeling, authenticity is celebrated.

We are looking for a Senior Scientist with technical expertise in Chemo-perception and Cognitive Neuroscience. This role will focus on advancing our understanding of the behavioral and psychophysiological mechanisms underlying fragrance, flavor, and taste performance and their impact on human health and wellbeing. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative research projects, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate research findings into practical business applications. If you have a passion for chemosensory science, we encourage you to apply to join our global Perception & Cognitive Neuroscience team.

Key Responsibilities:

Plan, execute, optimize and lead experimentation and implement cutting-edge research methods to drive innovative research in chemosensory perception and cognitive neuroscience
Manage and lead cross-functional innovation projects within the company's global Innovation process and framework
Evaluate and identify opportunities for translational research within the areas of Chemosensory Receptor Biology and Microbiome and strategically leverage them to drive impactful projects.
Manage external collaborations and liaise with internal and external partners.
Analyze and interpret behavioral, psychophysical, and psychophysiological data.
Present research findings to a broad audience.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate research findings into product development and innovation strategies.
Prepare and publish high-quality internal scientific reports and research papers for peer-reviewed journals.
Identify potential opportunities and support efforts for intellectual property protection and contribute to patent applications

We Bring:

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.

You Bring:

Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, or a related field.
Minimum of 5 years of post-graduate research experience in chemoperception and cognition with a proven track record of scientific publications. Two (2) or more years of industry experience is preferred.
Interest in understanding how perception works - from Receptor Biology to Human Behavior. Hands-on experience is preferred.
Proficiency in behavioral and psychophysiological research methods (e.g., psychophysics, reaction times, E/MEG, fMRI, peripheral physiology) and advanced statistical analysis
Proficiency in programming (e.g., R, Python, Matlab) and data visualization; experience with modelling will be a plus.
Excellent English language, communication, organization, and leadership skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The salary or hourly wage scale provided reflects the pay range dsm-firmenich expects to pay the successful candidate for the position. Individual pay offered will be based on the applicant’s job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location. This position is also eligible for bonuses and benefits, which are not included in the pay scale provided. Salary $128,000-$183,000.

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 online by uploading your resume in English.

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

ct to agency’s fees, percentages or similar.