Laboratory Support technician

Tastepoint by IFF; Leiden; On-site; EUR 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on experience in professional R&D

Learning and development opportunities

Inclusive workplace culture

Job summary

Tastepoint by IFF in Leiden, Netherlands, is seeking a laboratory assistant to support innovative biotechnology research in a collaborative R&D environment. Ideal for candidates nearing completion of their MLO education, this role provides hands-on experience in a vibrant lab.

Join a team of diverse scientists working on pioneering biotechnology solutions across various industries. Responsibilities include maintaining laboratory operations, managing inventory, and preparing materials for experiments.

Qualifications

• Completed or nearly completed MLO education.
• Basic hands-on lab skills through education or internships.
• Understanding of lab safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support daily laboratory operations and maintain clean workspace.
• Perform cleaning and sterilization of laboratory equipment.
• Monitor laboratory inventory levels and manage supplies.
• Prepare buffers and reagents for lab experiments.

Skills

Interest in biotechnology

Good organizational skills

Basic computer skills

Intermediate English skills

Education

MLO (Middelbaar Laboratorium Onderwijs)

Tools

Laboratory equipment (pipettes, balances)

Job description

Job Summary

Are you ready to kickstart your laboratory career and support innovative biotechnology research in an international R&D environment?

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 collaborative, proactive, and international team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

At our Leiden site, you will join an R&D organization of approximately 45 scientists representing more than 15 nationalities. Our teams work on cutting‑edge biotechnology solutions by designing microbial cell factories and developing engineered enzymes for applications in food & beverages, home & personal care, animal nutrition, and more.

This position is ideal for candidates who recently completed — or are close to completing — their MLO (Middelbaar Laboratorium Onderwijs) education and are eager to gain hands‑on experience in a professional R&D laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Support daily laboratory operations to maintain a clean, safe, and organized workplace
• Perform cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization of laboratory equipment, glassware, and work areas
• Ensure the safe disposal of biological and chemical waste according to safety procedures and standard operating procedures
• Monitor laboratory inventory levels and manage consumables using inventory management systems
• Support ordering activities for laboratory supplies and materials
• Prepare buffers, media, and reagents required for laboratory experiments
• Receive, sort, and document incoming samples and deliveries according to laboratory protocols
• Support preparation and coordination of domestic and international sample shipments

Qualifications

• Completed or nearly completed MLO (Middelbaar Laboratorium Onderwijs) or comparable laboratory education
• Interest in biotechnology, microbiology, or laboratory support activities
• Basic hands‑on laboratory skills gained through education, internships, or practical training
• Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment such as pipettes, balances, centrifuges, or autoclaves
• Understanding of laboratory safety procedures and accurate way of working
• Good organizational and teamwork skills
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications
• Intermediate written and spoken English skills
• Proactive, detail‑oriented, and motivated mindset

How You Stand Out

• Internship or practical experience in an R&D or biotechnology laboratory
• Experience working in ML1 or ML2 laboratory environments
• Familiarity with inventory management or laboratory support processes

Why Choose Us

• Opportunity to start your career within a global biotechnology organization
• Hands‑on experience in a professional international R&D environment
• Learning and development opportunities from experienced scientists and laboratory professionals
• Collaborative and inclusive workplace culture
• Exposure to innovative technologies and sustainable bioscience solutions
• Opportunity to contribute to research that impacts everyday products worldwide

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 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.