Molecule Discovery Leader (Fragrance)

Location: Shanghai IBP, China; hybrid role

Company

hirify.global develops flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and health and bioscience solutions, with a focus on sustainable innovation and natural solutions.

What you will do

• Lead and scale a next-generation molecule discovery engine in China focused on novel, high-value fragrance ingredients.
• Direct end-to-end discovery programs, coordinating internal capabilities and external scientific ecosystems.
• Define a discovery strategy combining computational design, AI-driven discovery, rational design, natural inspiration, and biotechnology.
• Lead and inspire discovery scientists while fostering creativity, scientific rigor, and breakthrough thinking.
• Build partnerships with academia, startups, and technology providers within the China innovation ecosystem.
• Collaborate with global R&D, perfumery, data science, and process development teams to advance discoveries toward commercialization.

Requirements

• PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, biotechnology, or a related field.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in discovery organizations, preferably in scent, flavors, or pharma.
• Proven experience delivering novel molecules into development pipelines and integrating experimental, nature-inspired, bio-based, computational, or AI-driven discovery approaches.
• Experience managing complex, multi-project discovery environments and using scientific data to support prioritization and decision-making.
• Experience managing external innovation partnerships with startups, academic institutions, and technology providers.
• Fluency in Mandarin and English required.

Nice to have

• Deep expertise in molecular innovation across chemistry, biology, or computational design.
• Experience connecting molecular properties with olfactive performance and commercial impact.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary fragrance ingredient discovery programs.

Culture & Benefits

• Inclusive, creative, and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities to learn, develop, and expand expertise across regions.
• Exposure to global projects and worldwide initiatives.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package with performance incentives.