Principal Scientist, Data Science and AI - Princeton, NJ

Principal Scientist, Data Science and AI

Location: Princeton, NJ

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Scientist to serve as a technical cornerstone for our Data Science and AI initiatives. With a deep mastery of multimodal and multiomics data, strong expertise in clinical practice and human health metrics, you will design a world-class R&D engine that systematically mines internal and external datasets to generate evidence for human nutrition and care.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Architectural Vision: Direct the development of scalable pipelines for the ingestion and harmonization of massive, heterogeneous human cohort datasets. Lead the design and implementation of a standardized analytical framework that integrates high-dimensional data (diet, lifestyle, host-microbiome omics, and clinical outcomes).
• Decision Frameworks: Establish AI/ML-assisted multi-criteria scoring systems to prioritize ingredients based on novelty, biological relevance, and commercial viability.
• Evidence Orchestration: Oversee the creation of comprehensive scientific evidence packages, ensuring that every data science output is grounded in biological plausibility and robust enough to withstand clinical scrutiny.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Act as a key strategic partner to other Data Science groups, Life Science and other research organizations, as well as the business unit of Health Nutrition and Care. Ensure data science is integrated into the earliest stages of experimental design.
• Innovation Catalyst: Champion the adoption of state-of-the-art AI tooling, including Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), to revolutionize how the organization synthesizes knowledge and generates novel hypotheses.
• Mentorship: Provide technical mentorship to junior data scientists, fostering a culture of systems-oriented thinking and code reusability.

We Offer:

• A broad variety of projects, data types, and statistical approaches, ensuring you never stop learning and can apply a wide range of methods.
• A team of diverse, open-minded colleagues who aren't afraid to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.
• A truly global and collaborative team environment that cares about our employees' experience and growth.
• Unique career paths across health, nutrition and beauty - explore what drives you and get the support to make it happen.
• A chance to impact millions of consumers every day – sustainability embedded in all we do.

You Bring:

• PhD in Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology or a related quantitative field with 10+ years of post-doctoral experience (predominantly in an industrial R&D setting).
• Expert-level command of human molecular biology, with a focus on leveraging processed multi-omics and microbiome data for advanced analytics.
• Familiarity with large-scale cohort data and the challenges of working with real-world evidence.
• Proven history of leading high-impact discovery, translational science programs and/or clinical programs that resulted in successful product launches or major scientific breakthroughs.
• Deep expertise in Python/R and with a track record of building production-grade analytical frameworks.
• A forward-thinking approach to using Large Language Models (LLM) for scientific knowledge extraction and automated hypothesis generation.
• Understanding of metadata management and harmonization frameworks for large-scale longitudinal research data is a plus.
• Comfortable operating at the complex intersection of data science & AI, human biology, and global research and development. Capable of distilling high-dimensional technical complexity into a clear, persuasive narrative for non-technical stakeholders.

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 $180,000 -$260,000.

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 by April 3, 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.