(Senior) Manager R&D Enzymes Strain Engineering

Join the Center for Food Innovation at dsm-firmenich

(Senior) Manager R&D Enzymes Strain Engineering

dsm-firmenich’s Taste, Texture & Health (TTH) Business Unit brings progress to life by creating what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. TTH’s Division Ingredient Solutions is a leading global supplier of food enzymes, cultures, taste and health ingredients, and other specialties for many of the leading global and local dairy, baking, beverages, and savory food brands. The Center for Food Innovation (CFI) is the dedicated hub for Research & Development (R&D) within TTH, responsible for the development of food ingredients, cost-effective production processes, and innovative solutions for our customers.

We are seeking a (Senior) Manager R&D Enzymes Strain Engineering to join the “Enzyme House” at the Center for Food Innovation. In this role, you will be part of the Enzyme House leadership team, managing a specialist group and leading technical efforts in enzyme screening and strain development, optimizing production strains, and supporting the enzyme R&D strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of specialists in enzyme strain engineering, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Oversee resource planning and project alignment to ensure timely and effective delivery of R&D objectives.
• Act as technical lead for enzyme screening and strain development within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Translate business needs into actionable R&D strategies and workplans for enzyme strain development.
• Interpret, analyse, and communicate experimental results to stakeholders.
• Champion quality, safety, and well-being within your team.

We Offer

• Unique career paths across health, nutrition, and beauty, with opportunities to make a real impact.
• The chance to work on science-led projects that shape a more sustainable future.
• A collaborative, uplifting culture where every voice matters.
• Growth and leadership development in a global, innovative environment.
• A community that values curiosity, creativity, and continuous learning.
• Competitive rewards and benefits, including flexible options to support your well-being.

You Bring

• PhD or equivalent experience in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or Microbiology.
• Expertise in enzyme expression and/or strain engineering (filamentous fungal, bacterial, or yeast).
• Over 5 years’ experience in life sciences, R&D, or innovation environments.
• Proven project and/or people management skills.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complexity.
• A collaborative, communicative approach and fluency in English.

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.