Quality & Sensory Lab Technician

Iff-c92e5b82; Haverhill; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

IFF is seeking a hands-on laboratory specialist to support quality and sensory evaluations in a global flavour manufacturing setting in Haverhill, UK. The role focuses on microbiology, sample preparation, and data entry into SAP and lab systems.

You will contribute to GLP-compliant testing, maintain records, and support sensory panels while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product quality and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Experience in a laboratory, quality or manufacturing setting and following procedures.
• Familiarity with GLP and safety requirements; GMP/ISO 17025 awareness is beneficial.
• A methodical approach to record-keeping and data entry in lab systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare microbiological media and support routine QC activities.
• Set up microbiology laboratory and prepare for testing.
• Prepare reagents and laboratory materials per procedures.
• Receive, register and prepare samples for testing and data entry.
• Support sensory activities and manage retain sample systems.

Skills

Laboratory environment

Quality control

Analytical skills

Documentation

GLP knowledge

Education

Chemistry

Microbiology

Food Science

Biology

Laboratory Science

Tools

SAP

LIMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job SummaryAre you looking for a hands-on laboratory role where you can support product quality and sensory evaluations in a global flavour manufacturing environment?IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.Taste: Crafting unique, technology-enabled flavor designs that define the identity of food and beverage brands, shape trends in flavor building and fuel market success.The role is based in Haverhill, United Kingdom (on-site role). Be part of an experienced, collaborative, detail-oriented and active quality team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.Where You'll Make a Difference• Prepare microbiological media and perform related quality control activities to support laboratory operations.• Assist microbiological laboratory set-up and preparation for routine testing activities.• Prepare reagents and laboratory materials in accordance with established procedures.• Receive, register and prepare samples for testing, including weighing and system entry activities.• Monitor laboratory consumables and maintain appropriate stock levels to ensure uninterrupted workflow with a determined approach.• Perform daily equipment checks, including temperature monitoring and routine internal calibrations, while maintaining accurate records.• Conduct simple microbiological testing and accurately enter results into SAP and other laboratory systems using a logical, objective and strategic approach.• Support sensory laboratory activities, including preparation and coordination of multiple sensory panels throughout the day, while working in an independent and collaborative manner.• Maintain retain sample systems and flavour retain databases, including ordering retain samples from affiliate sites.What Makes You the Right Fit• Experience working in a laboratory, quality or manufacturing environment.• Strong analytical attention to detail and ability to follow laboratory procedures accurately.• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a proactive and decisive manner, and a practical, driven approach to problem-solving.• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation with a methodical approach.• Understanding of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and laboratory safety requirements, with commitment to following laboratory procedures, quality standards and health & safety requirements. Familiarity with GMP or ISO 17025 standards would be beneficial.• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively and independently within a cross-functional environment.• Computer literacy, proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and data entry systems, confidence in using laboratory software systems, including SAP, LIMS or similar laboratory management systems.• Flexibility, resourcefulness and willingness to support different areas of laboratory operations as business needs require.How Would You Stand Out?• Experience within the food, flavour, ingredients or consumer products industry.• Experience within a microbiology laboratory environment, including familiarity with aseptic techniques, media preparation, sample handling or environmental monitoring activities, or familiarity with sensory evaluation processes and sensory laboratory operations, with a confident, persistent and self-reliant approach.• Education in Chemistry, Microbiology, Food Science, Biology, Laboratory Science or a related scientific discipline.Why Choose Us?• Develop practical experience across microbiology, quality and sensory laboratory activities.• Gain exposure to product quality processes within a global flavour manufacturing environment.• Work alongside experienced laboratory and quality professionals.• Contribute directly to product quality, compliance and customer satisfaction.• Build knowledge of laboratory systems, testing procedures and continuous improvement practices.• Be part of a collaborative team supporting innovation and quality excellence.We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more