Data Science Lead

Join us and celebrate the beauty of human experience. Create for happier, healthier lives, with love for nature. Together, with kindness and humility, we deliver food innovations, craft inspired fragrances and develop beauty and wellbeing solutions that make people look and feel good. There’s much to learn and many to learn from, with more than 17,000 employees around the world to explore ideas and ambitions with. Dive into varied, flexible, and stimulating environments. Meet empowered professionals to partner with, befriend, and stretch your skills alongside. Every day, your energy, your creativity, and your determination will shape our future, making a positive difference on billions of people. Every essence of you enriches our world. We are Givaudan. Human by nature.

This role oversees the development and delivery of AI and data science solutions for scientific and chemistry-related applications, including research, laboratory, and industrial R&D environments. Acting as a bridge between Data Science and S&T teams, the role ensures robust scientific interpretation, high-quality data governance, and the integration of machine learning and advanced modeling into research and operational workflows. In this role you will report to the Data Science Manager.

Your purpose

Lead Data Science & AI initiatives in Science and Technology (S&T) scope, by combining advanced data science leadership with deep scientific domain understanding

Provide guidance and support to Data Scientists and AI Engineer in the design and development of complex data models, algorithms, and scientific data analysis approaches that enhance decision-making and business outcomes

In charge of the planning and iterative delivery of Data Science & AI solutions to deliver robust and actionable products for Science and Technology

Contribute to the definition and improvement of Data Science & AI methodologies, including scientific modeling and experimental data interpretation frameworks.

Your core responsibilities

Project Management

Lead the execution and delivery of data science projects, including scientific and chemistry-related initiatives (e.g., research and discovery, analytical chemistry, innovation & knowledge management, …)

Ensure delivery meets quality, regulatory, and methodology standards, including traceability and reproducibility of scientific results

Model Development

Guide the design and implementation of advanced statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and data mining techniques to scientific and chemistry related initiatives including chemical processes and formulations as well as experimental and laboratory data.

Integrate domain knowledge (chemistry or related fields) into Data Science and AI modeling approaches

Explore and apply knowledge of existing and emerging data science principles, theories, and techniques on model development and evaluation

Scientific Data Analysis & Interpretation

Oversee the analysis of experimental, laboratory and process data (e.g., spectroscopy, chromatography, reaction data)

Ensure sound scientific interpretation of model outputs, aligned with chemical principles and industrial constraints

Support teams in translating scientific hypotheses into testable data science solutions

Performance Monitoring

Monitors and evaluates the performance of data science initiatives, using metrics and KPIs to assess impact and identify areas for improvement

Data Governance:

In compliance with global enterprise data governance standards, contributes to the implementation of data governance practices, ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance across science and technology datasets

Ensures adherence to regulatory and industry standards (e.g., traceability, auditability, GxP when applicable)

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Works closely with S&T scientists and business stakeholders to identify AI and data science needs, integrate AI and Data science into R&D and industrial workflows, enable data-driven scientific decision-making solutions, and support data-driven decision-making

Acts as a bridge between Data Science and Science & Technology experts

Your profile:

Academic Background

PhD or master's degree in chemistry, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field

Professional Experience

5+ years of experience in data science or analytics

Experience in scientific, laboratory, or industrial R&D environments

3+ years in a leadership or managerial role

Strong interdisciplinary background combining data science and scientific expertise is highly preferred.

Fluency in French and/or German is an advantage.
Technical Skills

Domain knowledge: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical or related scientific discipline

Technical Expertise: Proficiency in data science tools and programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL) and experience with machine learning frameworks. Familiarity with chemical data formats and modeling approaches (e.g., molecular descriptors, reaction modeling)

Strong understanding of statistical methods, data analysis techniques, and machine learning algorithms.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders.

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with a focus on solving complex business challenges through data.

Our benefits:

Bonus Payment

Career development

Pension support

Home office

Medical insurance

At Givaudan, you contribute to delightful taste and scent experiences that touch people’s lives.

We value the different perspectives that come from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Everyone — regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, culture, religion, or any personal circumstances — is warmly welcomed at Givaudan, a place where we all love to be and grow.

Every essence of you enriches our world. Join us in making a difference together.