Scientist, Data Science, Computational Receptor Biology - Long Island City, NY

Scientist, Data Science in Computational Receptor Biology

Location: Long Island City, NY  

We are seeking a highly skilled data scientist specialized in cheminformatics, bioinformatics and machine learning. The candidate would join dsm-firmenich's Computational Receptor Biology team and work with a talented team of data scientists, chemists and biologists mapping our sense of taste and olfaction. Our team is at the forefront of leveraging protein and molecular AI in chemosensory receptor biology to uncover new possibilities in nutrition, health, and beauty for our clients and their customers.

This role offers the opportunity to drive interdisciplinary science projects that integrate the latest advances in computational biology, deep learning and receptor science while working in close collaboration with leading domain experts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and curate high‑quality, model‑ready datasets from heterogeneous receptor screening data, including mixtures, natural products, and noisy biological readouts.
• Integrate receptor biology, assay context, and chemical representations to support predictive modeling and biologically meaningful interpretation.
• Design robust dataset splits, benchmarks, and evaluation frameworks (e.g., receptor‑aware, scaffold‑aware, temporal) to ensure reliable model assessment.
• Support and execute active learning and experimental prioritization strategies, translating model uncertainty into concrete experimental recommendations.
• Collaborate closely with experimentalists, ML scientists, physicists, and ingredient modeling partners to close the data → model → experiment → insight loop.
• Apply modern software development and machine learning tools and practices in your daily work, including a high level of proficiency in python. Familiarity with good use of coding agents preferred.

We Offer: 

• Opportunity to join a dynamic and thriving team applying ML and other modeling techniques to biology and chemistry.
• Highly motivated, professional and committed multicultural and interdisciplinary team.
• Opportunity to put your scientific skills into practice with innovations in health, nutrition and beauty.
• Grow and develop your skills through our in-house training courses.
• Being a part of company shaping a strong legacy heritage through industrial innovations and cutting-edge technology.
• A commitment to science-based innovations with 2000 scientists and 700 mln annual S&R investments.

You Bring:

• Masters, Ph.D. or similar experience in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Structural Biology, AI, or a related field.
• 1+ years of additional academic or industrial work experience in ingredients, or small molecule discovery, ideally in the chemosensory biology field.
• Strong grounding in receptor biology and functional assay data, with the ability to reason about biological relevance beyond raw predictions.
• Hands‑on experience in cheminformatics and bioinformatics, including chemical standardization, annotation, and integration of complex libraries.
• Practical experience applying machine learning to real, noisy biological datasets, including uncertainty‑aware or baseline predictive models.
• Working knowledge of active learning, experimental design, or learning‑efficiency concepts in screening or discovery settings.
• A collaborative, scientifically curious mindset, with enthusiasm for learning across modeling approaches and engaging regularly with experimental teams.
• Proficiency in modern ML, python, good code management, and working with CI/CD pipelines.

The salary or hourly wage scale provided reflects the pay range dsm-firmenich expects to pay the successful candidate for the position. Individual pay offered will be based on the applicant’s job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location. This position is also eligible for bonuses and benefits, which are not included in the pay scale provided. Salary $100,00-$140,000. 

In addition to base salary, we also offer a comprehensive total rewards package, inclusive of annual incentive pay, a retirement savings plan, health care coverage, paid time off, recognition programs and a broad range of other benefits. All benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements.

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