Associate Director - HNC Regional Science EMEA

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

DSM-firmenich is seeking an Associate Director, HNC Regional Science EMEA for the Health, Nutrition & Care unit, ideally based in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland, with flexibility across EMEA. This onsite role acts as the scientific lead, translating global science into locally relevant value propositions and supporting customer engagement and innovation adoption through collaboration with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Regulatory and external partners. You will substantiate claims, identify evidence gaps, build a KOL network, and drive credible scientific communication. Requirements include a PhD in Nutrition or Life Sciences or a Master with 10+ years in life sciences, cross functional leadership, external credibility, and English fluency (additional EMEA languages a plus). Apply online in English via the career portal with concrete examples of impact and KOL engagement.

Job title: Associate Director – HNC Regional Science EMEA

 Location:  Preferred location Kaiseraugst (Switzerland), open to other locations in EMEA.

Introduction

The Associate Director of Regional Science EMEA in our Health, Nutrition & Care business unit is the single point of accountability for all science-related activities within the region. This role sits at the intersection of science, commercial, and innovation, connecting customers, regional teams, and global counterparts to ensure strong scientific positioning and impact.

You will drive the translation of global science into regionally relevant value propositions, supporting customer engagement, marketing strategies, and innovation adoption. By partnering closely with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Regulatory, and external stakeholders, you will strengthen scientific credibility, shape regional narratives, and support business growth through differentiated, science-based solutions.

Working across internal teams and external ecosystems, including key opinion leaders (KOLs), academic partners, and scientific organizations, you will play a key role in generating insights, supporting claims substantiation, and positioning our innovations effectively in the market.

 Your key responsibilities

• Act as the regional scientific lead, ensuring alignment between global innovation and regional business needs while translating science into differentiated, locally relevant value propositions.
• Partner closely with Marketing and Commercial teams to shape customer engagement, support key accounts, and strengthen the scientific positioning in the region.
• Provide scientific input to support business activities, including claims development, substantiation, and effective communication to internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify gaps in scientific evidence and define research and clinical study needs, collaborating with partners to initiate innovation and strengthen value propositions.
• Build and maintain a strong regional network of KOLs, academic partners, and scientific organizations to enhance credibility and accelerate innovation adoption.
• Drive scientific communication and insight generation by presenting to customers and external audiences, while collaborating cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Regulatory, and Innovation teams.

We offer

• 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.
• A science led company, cutting edge research and creativity everywhere – from biotech breakthroughs to sustainability game-changers, you’ll work on what’s next.
• Growth that keeps up with you – you join an industry leader that will develop your expertise and leadership.
• A culture that lifts you up – with collaborative teams, shared wins, and people who cheer each other on.
• A community where your voice matters – it is essential to serve our customers well.

  You bring

• PhD in Nutrition or Life Sciences or a minimum of a Master’s degree with relevant experience, with strong knowledge of nutritional metabolism and clinical nutrition. Registered Dietitian qualification is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in life sciences or nutrition, including customer-facing roles and exposure to industrial environments.
• Experience in areas such as gut health, biotics, specialized nutrition, or protein/amino acid metabolism is an advantage.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and independently, leveraging insights to deliver business impact and strengthen scientific positioning.
• Strong external credibility, with recognition as a trusted scientific expert and an established Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) network in the EMEA nutrition ecosystem.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex science into clear messaging; fluent in English, with additional EMEA languages as a plus.

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. 

Application process

Interested in this position? Please apply on-line by uploading your resume in English via our career portal. Due to data privacy reasons, we do not handle any applications sent by email. Please be so kind to use the link provided https://careers.dsm-firmenich.com/en/careers.html.

Pre-employment screenings are part of our recruitment process. You will be informed during the process what is expected of you.

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.