Grain Processing Applications Technologist

IFF; Leiden; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

IFF Leiden seeks a skilled scientist to design, run, and interpret laboratory experiments addressing grain processing and fermentation challenges. This onsite role focuses on simulating industrial processes in the lab, evaluating enzyme performance, and generating reliable data to guide customer solutions.

You will collaborate with Sales, Technical Service, Marketing and R&D to translate results into practical recommendations, prepare technical reports and presentations, support plant trials,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering or life sciences.
• Hands-on lab experience, preferably fermentation or enzyme applications.
• Experience with HPLC and analytical techniques.
• Strong data analysis and ability to translate results into practical recommendations.
• Excellent English communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and interpret lab experiments for grain processing and fermentation challenges.
• Simulate industrial starch processing and bioethanol production in the lab to evaluate enzymes.
• Perform analytical testing and data analysis (HPLC) to generate actionable results.
• Develop technical recommendations to optimize fermentation yields and process efficiency.
• Collaborate with Sales, Technical Service, Marketing and R&D to deliver customer-focused solutions.

Skills

Biotechnology

HPLC

Data analysis

Communication

Fermentation

Education

BSc in Biotechnology

Tools

HPLC systems

Job description

Job Summary

Are you passionate about solving real customer challenges through laboratory experimentation and fermentation technology?

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.

Health & Biosciences: Channeling our passion for nature and bioscience into sustainable, life-enhancing technologies that power innovative solutions across healthcare, food, consumer and industrial markets.

The role is based in Leiden, Netherlands (onsite role) . Be part of a customer-focused, innovative, and collaborative team where together we help grain processing customers improve efficiency, sustainability, and performance. Your potential is our inspiration.

Where You'll Make a Difference

• Design, execute, and interpret laboratory experiments to address customer questions related to grain processing and fermentation processes.
• Simulate industrial starch processing and bioethanol production processes in the laboratory to evaluate enzyme performance.
• Perform analytical testing and data analysis, including HPLC analysis, to generate reliable and actionable results.
• Develop technical recommendations that help customers optimize fermentation yields, process efficiency, and product performance.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Technical Service, Marketing, and R&D teams to deliver customer-focused solutions.
• Support new product development projects by generating high-quality experimental data and technical insights.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and summaries that clearly communicate findings and recommendations.
• Provide support during customer visits, product introductions, troubleshooting activities, and plant trials.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of laboratory methods, capabilities, and application technologies.

What Makes You the Right Fit

• Bachelor's degree (BSc) in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands-on laboratory experience, preferably within fermentation, biotechnology, food processing, enzyme applications, or industrial processes.
• Experience with HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and other analytical laboratory techniques.
• Strong capability to analyze experimental results and translate data into practical recommendations.
• Knowledge of biochemistry, fermentation processes, and industrial applications of enzymes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a structured approach to scientific investigations.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proactive, self-driven, and eager to learn in a dynamic business environment.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and verbal.

How Would You Stand Out?

• Experience within grain processing, starch conversion, brewing, bioethanol, or related industrial fermentation industries.
• Familiarity with process modeling tools and data-driven process optimization.
• Experience supporting customer projects, plant trials, or technical service activities.

Why Choose Us?

• Work on customer-driven projects that have a direct impact on industrial manufacturing processes.
• Join a global leader in biosciences, enzymes, and sustainable innovation.
• Collaborate with experienced scientists, technologists, and commercial teams across EMEA.
• Access continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
• Be part of an inclusive and supportive international work environment.
• Contribute to solutions that help customers improve efficiency and sustainability.

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