Job Title: Pharma & Biological Model Lead
City, Country: Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
Hybrid/Remote/On Site: On Site


We are seeking a highly qualified individual with a Master’s or Ph D in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or Life Sciences. In this role, you will lead a team of application and biological specialists to actively shape cutting-edge research projects, collaborate with external partners, and translate complex scientific concepts. Join us to shape a successful career in a dynamic, multicultural, and purpose-driven environment.


DEI Statement
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.


Your key responsibilities

• Lead and manage a highly skilled team of 5+ technicians and scientists in research in application technology and biological & cell culture models.
• Translate complex scientific concepts into actionable experimental plans and work packages, preparing research protocols, and preparing compelling presentations of the obtained data for both internal and external audiences.
• Apply best practices in guiding lab operational activities including equipment maintenance & upgrades, lab certifications, SHE standards and lab data management.
• Develop new cell culture models such as organoid models. Guide the execution of preclinical experiments using established in house models to generate data that strengthen the value proposition of our solutions.
• Deploy these biological model systems to enable the screening of ingredient libraries for selection of the most efficient solution versus pre-defined benchmarks.
• Apply comprehensive expertise in pharmaceutical sciences to drive advancements in the development, manufacturing, and characterization of galenic forms.
• Evaluate new biological models, opportunities, and trends with in-depth knowledge and an experienced team, interfacing with Innovation Managers and Scientists, and actively participating in innovation project teams across segments.
• Oversee experiments and contribute to innovative project initiatives.
• Collaborate with external partners, including companies and academia.
• Manage the resource assignment to obtain the target results

We bring

• A rich history and a promising future of bold scientific innovation within a dynamic, multicultural environment.
• A flexible work environment that empowers accountability, supports curiosity, and encourages an open mindset.
• A prioritizing safety and well-being, fostering barrier-free communities where every employee is equally valued and respected.
• Opportunities to work on sustainable projects, shaping scientific activities from the beginning and collaborating with Marketing and Sales.
• The chance to understand customer preferences, adapting communication based on regional cultures, and working closely with customers to achieve great things.
• Being part of an innovative team developing nutritional solutions that positively impact lives, while sustainability is core to our strategy and purpose.

You bring

• Master or Ph D degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or Life Sciences.
• Comprehensive expertise in pharmaceutical and/or life sciences, including the development, manufacturing, and characterization of galenic forms and/or biological models, as well as a broad understanding of various pharmaceutical science disciplines, especially biological cell therapies.
• In-depth knowledge of biological models, including in depth understanding of biological mechanisms, with the ability to evaluate new opportunities and trends with an experienced team and to generate differentiated solutions based on new scientific insights.
• Proven experience in team collaboration and leadership, including handling external partners and setting up collaborations with other companies or academic institutions. Proven hands on experience in leading a lab with biological or application model systems. Years of experience working in teams in a company R&D environment will be a considerably strong asset.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate scientific concepts clearly.
• Strong project management skills, including setting priorities and defining timelines.
• Specific subject matter expertise in the areas of vitamin chemistry & biology and/or immune cell biology is a Plus
• Inquisitive and creative mindset with the ability to act pro-actively and shape research designs

Equal opportunities commitment
dsm-firmenich is fully dedicated to inclusion because when people feel engaged and empowered, their creativity and innovation drives unprecedented progress. We aim to build a workplace where opportunity really is equal, so everyone can thrive. We do not discriminate: there’s a place for everyone at dsm-firmenich.
As a committed equal opportunity employer, we ensure our recruitment practices are inclusive and fair. We encourage the recruitment of a diverse workforce, representative of the communities in which we work, by using inclusive language, diverse interview panels, diversified sourcing strategies. Selection is based on qualifications, competency, experience, performance history and fit with the team to advance fair and equitable opportunity.
Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, backgrounds, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
We are committed to providing reasonable support for disabled applicants in our recruiting process. Should you need assistance, and are comfortable to share this, please let us know.


Important notes
This job title is temporary and will be adjusted once the job grading structure for the new Group will be adopted (covering among others: grades’ design, job evaluations, calibration, and job titles’ nomenclature). Until these adjustments are finalized, current compensation packages will be grandfathered for those whose new position turns out to be graded lower than their current position. This temporary period will last not more than 24 months for the legacy DSM Executives or legacy FIR SLT members, and not more than 12-18 months for all other employees from the moment the candidate moves into their new position.
We plan to schedule interviews for this position on August 19th and 20th, if possible please hold your schedule for those two days.


About DSM-Firmenich
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.


Agency statement
Please note this is a direct search led by dsm-firmenich. We only accept applications from candidates, not from agencies nor subject to agency’s fees, percentages or similar.