(Lead) Technician strain development

Join dsm-firmenich as a (Lead) Technician Strain Development

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.