Associate Scientist, Microbiome & Hygiene - San Diego, CALocation: San Diego, CA, USWe're looking for a highly motivated Associate Scientist with expertise in microbiome research (human or environmental preferred) to join our Microbiome & Hygiene team. In this role, you'll help advance our understanding of the microbiome and contribute to innovative solutions across health, hygiene, and beauty applications.
Your Key Responsibilities:- Contribute to research projects focused on understanding microbiome structure and function relevant to human health, hygiene, and beauty applications
- Design and execute in vitro and laboratory-based microbiology experiments under the guidance of senior scientists
- Support development, optimization, and execution of microbiome assays, including microbial culture, cell-based assays, and molecular biology methods
- Generate, analyze, and summarize experimental data to support mechanistic understanding and project decisions
- Assist with documentation of experimental protocols, data, and internal reports
- Support general laboratory operations, including lab maintenance, inventory management, chemical safety documentation, and instrument upkeep
You Bring:- Master's or PhD degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Microbial Ecology, or a related life science field, with 1-3 years of relevant academic or industry experience in microbiology or microbiome research
- Hands-on laboratory experience with microbiological techniques such as microbial culture, aseptic techniques, and molecular biology methods (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR)
- Experience with human microbiome samples and/or culture-based microbial assays is preferred
- Ability to follow experimental plans, document results accurately, and work within established protocols
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt in a fast-paced research environment
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. Salary $100,000-$110,000.
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.
The application processInterested in this position? Please apply online by uploading your resume in English via our career portal by
June 5, 2026.
Agency statementWe'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.
