Senior Scientist, Computational Receptor Biology & Machine Learning – Long Island City, NY or San Diego, CA
Location: Long Island City, NY or San Diego, CA, US
Join us at the intersection of AI, biology, and sensory science. We are seeking an exceptional Machine Learning Researcher with deep expertise in deep learning architectures and distributed training systems to help push the boundaries of protein-ligand interaction modeling. As part of our Data Science Computational Receptor Biology team, you’ll collaborate with world-class data scientists, chemists, and biologists to decode the molecular mechanisms behind taste and smell.
Working at the forefront of protein and molecular AI, you’ll develop next-generation models that accelerate scientific discovery and unlock innovative solutions in nutrition, health, and beauty. The Senior Scientist, Computational Receptor Biology & Machine Learning position is a unique opportunity to apply state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to complex biological challenges, contributing to groundbreaking research with real-world impact. You’ll play a key role in shaping interdisciplinary projects that combine advances in computational biology, large-scale deep learning, and receptor science while partnering with leading experts across scientific domains.
Your Key Responsibilities:
• Lead development of advanced deep learning models grounded in geometry, physics, and probabilistic reasoning, and apply them to receptor–ligand interaction problems
• Design and adapt equivariant, multimodal, and/or generative architectures (e.g., diffusion, flows) for structured molecular and biological data, with openness to learning domain ‑ specific representations and constraints
• Own scalable model training distributed across Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), evaluation, and iteration workflows, ensuring rigor, reproducibility, and measurable impact in discovery settings
• Translate foundational machine learning (ML) ideas into practical receptor ‑ aware modeling tools, collaborating closely with domain experts to bridge theory and application
• Contribute technical leadership and mentorship while working cross ‑ functionally with experimentalists, physicists, chemists, and ingredient modeling partners
We Bring:
• Opportunity to join a dynamic and thriving team applying machine learning and physics-based modeling to biology and chemistry
• Highly motivated, professional and committed multicultural and interdisciplinary team
• Opportunity to put your scientific skills into practice with innovations in health, nutrition and beauty
• Chance to grow and develop your skills through our in-house training courses
• Be a part of company shaping a strong legacy heritage through industrial innovations and cutting-edge technology
• A commitment to science-based innovations with 2,000 scientists and large annual Science & Research investments
You Bring:
• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Computational Biology or a related field
• 3-7 years of additional academic or industry experience developing novel architectures or training paradigms
• Deep expertise in ML, applied mathematics, or physics ‑ inspired modeling, with strong intuition for geometry, symmetry, probabilistic inference, and learning dynamics
• Hands ‑ on experience with modern deep learning frameworks (PyTorch and/or JAX) and ability to build non ‑ trivial models for structured or geometric data
• Familiarity with generative or probabilistic modeling approaches (e.g., diffusion, flows, score ‑ based models, uncertainty estimation), even if applied outside biomolecular systems
• A demonstrated ability and enthusiasm to learn new scientific domains quickly and collaborate with subject ‑ matter experts to apply ML in real discovery contexts
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. Salary $132,000-$158,000.
In addition to base salary, we also offer a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of annual incentive pay, a retirement savings plan, health care coverage, paid time off, recognition programs and a broad range of other benefits. All benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.
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 via our career portal by August 10, 2026 .
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.