Associate Researcher (BioActives)

Tastepoint by IFF; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative and inclusive work environment

Exposure to industry-leading technologies

Job summary

Tastepoint by IFF in Wilmington, DE, is seeking a Biotechnology Associate to apply molecular biology in innovative projects. You will work with a diverse team, supported by a collaborative and inclusive culture, focused on creating sustainable solutions.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and be eager to learn in a hands-on laboratory setting, contributing to the optimization of microbial cell factories.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with no experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-functional project team.
• Hands-on approach with a strong affinity for laboratory work.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the understanding of microbial cell factories.
• Support strain construction using modern molecular biology techniques.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project goals.
• Prepare technical reports and communicate experimental data.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemistry

Microbial physiology

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Laboratory techniques

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Summary

Are you passionate about applying molecular biology to build innovative bio‑based solutions that make a real‑world impact?

IFF is a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering customers a broad range of natural solutions while accelerating our growth strategy. We apply science and creativity to push beyond traditional boundaries, driving innovation for a more sustainable future.

IFF Health & Biosciences (H&B) applies expert science to advance market‑driven, healthy, and sustainable solutions for the food, beverage, dietary supplement, and pharmaceutical industries. Using cutting‑edge biotechnology, we help customers turn complex challenges into high‑value business opportunities.

This role is based in Wilmington, DE and follows an Anchor work model. You will join an innovative, customer‑focused, and diverse team supporting host construction, strain improvement, and product development initiatives.

Where You’ll Make a Difference

• Contribute to project workstreams focused on understanding the performance of microbial cell factories and their products in industrial applications
• Support strain construction initiatives using modern molecular and cell biology techniques
• Assist with optimization, analysis, and improvement of cell factories based on project data and direction
• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional project teams to deliver defined project goals
• Execute laboratory and project tasks as directed by the project leader
• Explore and implement new methods and technologies in collaboration with the project team
• Generate, analyze, and clearly communicate experimental data
• Prepare technical reports, data summaries, presentations, protocols, and technical documentation

What Makes You The Right Fit

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 0–2 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with no prior professional experience required
• Strong foundational knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, or microbial physiology
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multi‑functional project team
• Hands‑on approach with a strong affinity for laboratory‑based work
• Willingness and ability to learn new skills, techniques, and methodologies
• Adaptability to change and the ability to manage multiple workstreams in parallel
• Strong problem‑solving skills and collaborative mindset
• Goal‑oriented approach with the ability to deliver task‑based outcomes
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail

How Would You Stand Out?

• Experience working in an industrial or applied Research & Development biotechnology environment
• Familiarity with microbial strain engineering or cell factory optimization
• Experience contributing to projects in fast‑paced, innovation‑driven settings

Why Choose Us?

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of biotechnology innovation
• Collaborative and inclusive research environment
• Exposure to industry‑leading technologies and scientific expertise
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities
• The chance to contribute to sustainable solutions that impact everyday lives

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