Senior Scientist I

International Flavors and Fragrances; Natco (NJ); On-site; USD 98,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Vacation & holidays

Annual bonus plan

Job summary

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) in Union Beach, NJ, is seeking a highly experienced chemist to advance sustainable flavor innovation through biotechnology and cutting-edge research. The role is onsite in Union Beach, NJ, and collaborates with flavorists and cross-functional teams to translate research into market-ready ingredients.

The ideal candidate holds a strong background in synthetic organic chemistry, flavor chemistry, and extensive laboratory expertise, with a track record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Flavor Chemistry, Food Science, or related discipline.
• At least 10 years hands-on laboratory experience in flavor, taste, food ingredients, or related industries.
• 10+ years in synthetic organic chemistry and design of complex reactions.

Responsibilities

• Drive development of sustainable flavor ingredients through Organic Synthesis and natural product discovery.
• Prepare novel flavor ingredients delivering sweet, salt, umami, and masking taste benefits.
• Design, set up, and execute organic synthesis reactions from milligram to kilogram scale.
• Research novel flavor molecules across meat, vanilla, and citrus.
• Develop scalable chemical processes for manufacturing and commercialization.
• Purify, characterize, and evaluate reaction products using analytical methods.
• Analyze experimental data and maintain accurate research documentation.
• Collaborate with flavorists and cross-functional teams to advance programs.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Analytical techniques

Laboratory bench skills

Data analysis

Communication & teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Organic Chemistry/Flavor Chemistry/Food Science

Master's degree in synthetic organic chemistry

Tools

Chromatography

NMR

Mass spectrometry

Job description

Job Summary

Are you passionate about advancing sustainable flavor innovation through biotechnology and cutting-edge research?

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 Union Beach, New Jersey (onsite role). Be part of an innovative, collaborative, and science-driven team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

Where You’ll Make a Difference

• Drive the development of sustainable flavor ingredients through advanced Organic Synthesis, and natural product discovery.
• Conduct exploratory research focused on preparing novel flavor ingredients that deliver sweet, salt, umami, and masking benefits in taste applications.
• Design, set up, and execute advanced organic synthesis reactions ranging from milligram to kilogram scale.
• Research novel flavor molecules and ingredients across areas such as meat, vanilla, and citrus.
• Develop efficient chemical processes to support the successful scale-up and manufacturing of ingredients selected for commercialization. [
• Purify, characterize, and evaluate reaction products using appropriate laboratory and analytical techniques.
• Analyze experimental results and maintain complete, accurate, and timely research documentation.
• Conduct scientific literature and patent searches to identify novel ingredients, synthetic approaches, and process manufacturing improvements.
• Collaborate with flavorists, scientists, and cross-functional partners to evaluate ingredient performance and advance research programs.
• Prepare technical reports, present research findings, and participate in team meetings and broader scientific activities.

What Makes You the Right Fit

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Flavor Chemistry, Food Science, or a related scientific discipline.
• At least 10 years of hands-on laboratory experience, preferably within the flavor, taste, food ingredients, or related industries.
• 10+ years of experience in synthetic organic chemistry and the design and execution of complex chemical reactions.
• Strong understanding of flavor chemistry and the application of novel molecules in taste and flavor systems.
• Excellent laboratory bench skills, including the ability to independently design, conduct, troubleshoot, and document experiments.
• Demonstrated experience purifying and characterizing reaction products using relevant laboratory and analytical methods.
• Ability to analyze experimental data, solve complex technical problems, and translate research findings into practical recommendations.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a cross-functional scientific environment.
• Ability to initiate and conduct research with minimal training and supervision.

How Would You Stand Out?

• Master's degree with advanced coursework in synthetic organic chemistry.
• Significant industrial research and development experience within the flavor and taste industry.
• Experience developing efficient synthetic processes and scaling reactions to support ingredient manufacturing and commercialization.
• Advanced experience in Organic Synthesis. This position will require a comprehensive understanding of advanced synthetic organic chemistry, flavor chemistry, and excellent lab bench skills. The ability to purify and characterize reaction products is needed

Why Choose Us?

• Opportunity to develop novel ingredients that deliver meaningful modulation benefits across sweet, salt, umami, and masking applications.
• Hands-on involvement in research spanning early-stage molecular discovery through process development and commercialization.
• Ability to work on flavor innovation across areas such as meat, vanilla, citrus, and taste modulation.
• Collaboration with experienced scientists, flavorists, and cross-functional innovation partners.
• Career development opportunities within a global industry leader.
• Ability to make a direct impact on products enjoyed by consumers around the world.

Compensation ($97,916.00 to $139,880.00 USD base) is based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to work experience, skills, certifications, and location. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, 401k, vacation, holidays, paid parental leave (maternity and paternity), and an annual bonus plan, among other employee perks.

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

Salary Ranges: 97,916.00-139,880.00USD