Principal Scientist Evidence Generation - Princeton, NJ

dsm-firmenich • Princeton, NJ

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of metadata management and harmonization frameworks for large-scale longitudinal research data is a plus.

Responsibilities

• 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).
• Establish AI/ML-assisted multi-criteria scoring systems to prioritize ingredients based on novelty, biological relevance, and commercial viability.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior data scientists, fostering a culture of systems-oriented thinking and code reusability.

Benefits

• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to employees across the business.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree