**Associate Scientist Strain Improvement** **Columbia, MD, US** **On-Site** The Strain Improvement Team has an exciting opening for an Associate Scientist! Join our Columbia Science and Research Team as we develop innovative bioprocesses in a collaborative, global and fast-paced environment. Apply and grow your expertise in strain improvement, microbiology and microbial physiology to design and execute strain development and optimization experiments at our site in Columbia, MD. 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 value. Equal access to opportunities is a given, belonging is a shared feeling, authenticity is celebrated. **Your key responsibilities** • Advancing our understanding of naturally sourced and engineered organisms. • Use classical strain improvement techniques including random mutagenesis and adaptive laboratory evolution to produce new, improved organisms that deliver on project targets. • Assessing the performance of new microbial strains at small scale using high throughput assays and lower throughput orthogonal assays. • Work collaboratively in cross-functional teams that include strain, fermentation, downstream processing and analytics to achieve project goals. • Contribute to the maintenance and care of our world class culture collection and the preparation of working cell banks for our production sites. • Preparing, documenting and presenting results and scientific findings to project teams, stakeholders and management. **We bring** • Opportunities for growth and advancement for those who embrace innovation and take initiative. • Supportive environment where your efforts and accomplishments are recognized and celebrated. • Opportunity to build a career making a significant impact on billions of lives, with the freedom to shape your own path. • Collaboration with experts in health, nutrition and beauty to drive progress. • Dedication to creating better futures for customers, communities, people and the planet. **You bring** • Master’s degree or BS in microbiology, biology or biochemistry with equivalent experience in microbiology, genetics, microbial cell physiology, biochemistry, microbial culturing, fermentation or related field. • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in industry or professional academia, in or related to Strain Improvement or Bioprocess • A desire and dedication to a sustainable future for our customers, communities, people and the planet. • Hands-on experience with culturing and analysing microbial cells in small scale cultivation systems. • Experience with classical strain improvement and adaptive laboratory evolution a plus. • Experience with high-throughput screening methods such as liquid handling robotics, microscopy, fluorescent labelling and/or flow cytometry **The application process** Interested in this position? Please apply on-line by uploading your resume in English via our career portal by **February 20, 2025** . **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. dsm-firmenich is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. dsm-firmenich people are as diverse as our customers. For us that includes a commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, 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. **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. www.dsm-firmenich.com **Agency Note** 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.