Senior Scientist - Formulation & Materials Science

Location: Shanghai, China 

As a key member of our Formulation & Materials Science Shanghai team, you will leverage deep expertise in physical chemistry, colloidal science, and formulation science to innovate and develop liquid delivery systems for fragrance, flavor, nutrient and other active ingredients, driving advancements in delivery technologies and providing integrated solutions for our clients. At dsm-firmenich, being a force for good is not optional. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a shared responsibility woven into our daily work, benefiting to our People, Customers & Communities and driving business value. Equal access to opportunities is a given, belonging is a shared feeling, authenticity is celebrated.

Your Key Responsibilities
• Lead and contribute global and cross-functional innovation projects, collaborating closely with partners across Science & Research and Business Units.
• Conceive, design and execute research programs for assigned projects, be responsible for documentation, data analysis, and result reporting.
• Develop novel delivery technologies and formulation strategies with improved performance for health, beauty and care applications and products.
• Monitor emerging scientific and technological trends in encapsulation & delivery technology, integrate relevant findings into in-house projects to strengthen outcomes and intellectual property.
• Provide technical leadership to junior team members; ensure that laboratory work is conducted with full compliance to Safety, Health, and Environment regulations.
• Deliver scientific and technical support at customer events and collaborate with business partners to address and resolve technical challenges.

We Bring
• Opportunities to further develop knowledge and expertise, grow and advance, allowing you to embrace innovation and take initiative.
• Diversity of exciting projects related to health, beauty and care, with access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and collaboration with experts from around the globe.
• Opportunity to build a career making a significant impact on billions of lives, with the freedom to shape your own path.
• Responsibility and accountability in living company values and driving sustainable solutions.
• Recognition and celebration of your efforts and accomplishments.
• Supportive environment where individuals are empowered to progress and contribute to meaningful change.

You Bring
• PhD in Colloidal Science, Physical Chemistry, Polymer Science, Food Science or a related field (or equivalent qualification) with extensive research experience in formulation and delivery technologies, ideally with industry experience.
• Extensive knowledge and expertise in soft matter physics, emulsion/colloid formulation, encapsulation or/and other delivery mechanisms.
• Solid laboratory experimental skills and hands-on experience of a variety of analytical techniques (e.g. light scattering, rheology, tensiometry).
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, interpret complex data, and translate insights into formulation strategies.
• Experience in consumer products, flavors/fragrances, nutraceuticals, or beauty/personal care industries is a plus.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory.

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.

Inclusion belong and equal opportunities

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.