Key Skills

Job Description

Job title: Lead Technician, Fermentation, ISOL Location: Delft, the Netherlands As a (Senior) Technician Fermentation, you will play a key hands-on role in developing and optimizing microbial fermentation processes for innovative food enzymes. You will independently prepare, execute and analyze fermentations at bench scale and work closely with fermentation scientists and colleagues across strain development, downstream processing, analytics and application development. Through hands-on experimentation and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, you will play a key role in delivering innovative fermentation solutions for the food industry. Your key responsibilities Accurately plan, prepare, execute and monitor microbial fermentations at bench scale Set up and operate various fermentation systems at various laboratory scales including preparation of media, feeds and inoculum Monitor and interpret key fermentation parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, aeration, agitation and feeding Support scientists in fermentation process development, optimization by down-scaling and scale-up experiments for commercial implementations Take lab ownership and maintain fermentation equipment, ensuring optimal performance and adherence to safety protocols Analyze and document experimental data, prepare mass balances and translate results into reports and technical presentations We offer A hands-on R&D role at the heart of industrial biotechnology and fermentation innovation An impact on the future of food, by contributing to the development and scale-up of new or improved food ingredients and processes An opportunity to be a linking-pin in the complete biotechnology development chain, from strain development through fermentation and downstream processing An international and inclusive environment where your expertise and ideas are valued Opportunities to further develop your technical expertise and career Barrier-free communities within our organization where every employee is equally valued and respected – regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity You bring BSc/HBO in Food technology, Bioprocess Technology, Microbiology or a related field Up-to 3 years of hands-on experience with bench-scale fermentation and familiarity with microbial batch and fed-batch processes is an advantage Good understanding of microbiology, aseptic working, and fermentation process control, with strong attention to detail and accuracy Flexibility and proactive team player with a strong sense of ownership and a can-do attitude, able to work independently and adapt to changing priorities in a multidisciplinary R&D environment You take pride in maintaining a safe, orderly and presentable laboratory setting when executing practical laboratory protocols Good written and verbal communication skills in English 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. Our application process Interested in this position? Please apply on-line by uploading your resume in English via our career portal (www.dsm-firmenich.com/careers). Due to privacy regulations, we can only actively interact with applications via our career portal. If you have any questions, please contact Ruslana Lohina-Kazimierczak, Talent Acquisition Business Partner ([email protected]). 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.

Core Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, operate, monitor, and analyze bench-scale microbial fermentations, including preparing media, feeds, and inoculum and tracking key process parameters. Support fermentation development and optimization through scale-up and down-scaling experiments, maintain laboratory equipment and safety, and document results in mass balances, reports, and presentations.

Requirements

A BSc/HBO in food technology, bioprocess technology, microbiology, or a related field is required, along with a good understanding of microbiology, aseptic work, and fermentation process control. Up to three years of hands-on bench-scale fermentation experience is advantageous; candidates should be detail-oriented, proactive, adaptable, able to work independently and collaboratively, and communicate well in English.

Benefits

• Career Development Opportunities
• Learning Opportunities
• Inclusive Work Environment