DSM-Firmenich

Senior Manager, High-Throughput Screening Operations

Location: San Diego, CA

Join a dynamic and innovative research program at the forefront of chemosensory science. As Senior Manager of High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Operations, you will lead a multi-disciplinary team exploring chemosensory receptor-driven perception and its applications in taste and health. Your leadership will directly impact scientific discovery and the advancement of health solutions through cutting-edge small molecule research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and mentor a group of four or more scientists and associates within high-throughput screening operations
• Oversee day-to-day activities in HTS and compound reformatting laboratories
• Foster a problem-solving mindset and promote innovative approaches to research challenges
• Ensure efficient scheduling and supervision of all workflow processes
• Maintain and optimize the use of screening, liquid handling, and automation instruments
• Supervise the transfer of assays from Biology to the HTS group, ensuring robustness and reproducibility
• Manage and reformat collections of compounds and natural samples for daily operations
• Monitor assay performance, identify and resolve technical issues, and ensure data integrity
• Review and analyze screening data to drive discovery program success
• Partner with Data Science and Chemistry teams to enable AI-driven operations and data analysis
• Contribute to the design and implementation of new HTS assays by staying current with emerging technologies
• Prepare and submit scientific manuscripts, patent applications, and internal reports to top peer-reviewed journals

We Bring:

• Opportunities to contribute to projects with significant health and social benefits
• A highly creative, imaginative team culture that encourages curiosity and open-mindedness
• Support for your professional growth and development through career advancement opportunities
• Dynamic application of Machine Learning and advanced modeling in biology and chemistry
• A collaborative, results-oriented organizational culture focused on scientific excellence
• A workplace that prioritizes your safety and well-being, both physically and mentally
• Competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and a rewarding compensation program

You Bring:

• Ph.D. in Molecular or Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, or a related field
• At least 8 years of industry experience in high-throughput screening or related settings
• Demonstrated success in leading scientific teams and managing HTS laboratory operations
• Proven record of HTS-aided small molecule discovery leading to candidate selection
• Extensive knowledge of HTS procedures, assays, compound management, and automation technologies
• Strong organizational and communication skills with a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach
• Expertise in GPCR or ion channel pharmacology and structure-function analysis, with advanced data analysis capabilities
• Experience supporting computer-aided discovery within HTS operations preferred
• Development of data analysis pipelines using R or Python strongly preferred

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 $132,000-$188,000.

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 online by uploading your resume in English no later than February 13, 2026.

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.