Job title - R&D Chemical engineer - Separation Technologies (Adsorption / Membranes) (81141)
Location – La Plaine, Geneva, Switzerland (onsite)
Key Responsibilities:
In this role, you will lead a laboratory dedicated to the assessment, development and scale up of innovative, sustainable separation and purification processes, with a strong focus on non-distillative technologies (e.g., adsorption, membranes). The responsibilities of this position include:
Process & Technology Development
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Lead the assessment, development and optimization of scalable separation and purification processes.
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Design, plan and execute laboratory and pilot scale experiments.
Industrialization & Collaboration
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Collaborate closely with production, innovation, and engineering teams to industrialize robust, safe, and sustainable separation processes.
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Provide technical support to improve existing production scale separations.
Scientific Excellence & Safety
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Conduct literature and patent reviews to identify emerging separation technologies.
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Ensure rigorous application of HS&E standards.
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Document results and communicate progress through high quality technical reports and presentations.
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Keep up to date on new technologies and latest developments relevant for current and future needs in fine chemical industry.
We offer:
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Being part of an interdisciplinary Science & Research team of industry-leading researchers with a state-of-the-art equipped research facility.
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Unique opportunity to be directly involved in all the stages towards the implementation of a new chemical process meaning from lab work to production transfer via Pilot testing.
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A diversity of exciting projects related to foods and fragranced products.
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The opportunity to work for a highly social company where sustainability is much more than a claim and is core to our strategy and purpose.
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Career development opportunities with great opportunities to learn and grow.
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To be part of a company shaping a strong legacy through breakthrough industrial innovations and technology.
You Bring:
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PhD, or MS with at least 4 years of industrial experience in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
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Hands on laboratory experience in separation sciences, with demonstrated ability to translate lab results into scalable processes. Expertise in adsorption and/or membrane technologies is a plus.
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Strong understanding of chemical engineering unit operations, including adsorption, , extraction, crystallization, filtration/drying, membrane and distillation processes.
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Good basic knowledge of organic chemistry relevant to the purification of high value ingredients and required for a close and daily collaboration with organic chemists.
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Experience in the characterization of target molecules using analytical techniques such as GC, GC‑MS, spectrophotometric analysis, physico-chemical analysis and HPLC is an advantage.
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Strong data analysis and process simulation capabilities (preferably Aspen).
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Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary, multicultural environment.
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Analytical thinking and critical problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
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Good time‑management skills and the ability to prioritize effectively across multiple projects.
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Good written and oral communication skills in English. Working knowledge of French is an advantage; willingness to learn 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.
The application process
Interested in this position? Please apply on-line by uploading your resume via our career portal (www. dsm-firmenich.com/careers).
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.
www.dsm-firmenich.com
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.
