Senior Scientist I

IFF Inc.; Union Beach (NJ); On-site; USD 98,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Annual bonus

Job summary

IFF Inc. in Union Beach, New Jersey, is seeking a PhD-level flavor science researcher to advance sustainable flavor innovation through biotechnology.

The role is onsite in Union Beach and focuses on developing bio-based flavor ingredients using fermentation and biocatalysis. You will work with cross-functional teams across R&D, regulatory, and production to drive ingredient performance, scale-up, and commercialization while staying current with advances in flavor science and fermentation

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field with 1-3 years post‑doc experience; or MS with 7+ years of industrial flavor research.
• Strong knowledge of flavor chemistry, mechanisms, and sensory interactions.
• Proven experience developing bio-based processes involving fermentation and/or biotransformation of food materials.
• Hands-on experience in microbial strain improvement and high-throughput screening methodologies.
• Understanding of bioreactor operations, fermentation principles, and metabolic pathways.
• Experience with raw material characterization, flavor isolation, extraction, and analytical techniques.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
• Demonstrated ability to assess process economics and commercial feasibility.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills with the ability to work effectively in a cross‑functional environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive the development of sustainable flavor ingredients through microbial fermentation, biocatalysis, and natural product discovery.
• Design and execute laboratory-scale upstream process development programs to support new ingredient pipelines.
• Conduct GC-MS and HPLC analyses to support flavor characterization and process optimization.
• Collaborate with flavorists, sensory scientists, and application teams to validate ingredient performance and functionality.
• Support scale-up activities, technology transfer, and regulatory review processes to enable commercialization.
• Partner with regional and global stakeholders to understand market needs and establish product success criteria.
• Prepare technical reports and communicate research findings to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Monitor scientific and industry advancements in taste modulation, flavor science, biotechnology, and fermentation technologies to identify new research opportunities.
• Propose and advance research initiatives aligned with Taste business and corporate innovation strategies.

Education

Ph.D. in Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field

M.S. in related field with 7+ years industrial flavor research experience

Tools

Statistical software

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 microbial fermentation, biocatalysis, and natural product discovery. Design and execute laboratory-scale upstream process development programs to support new ingredient innovation pipelines. Conduct instrumental analyses using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to support flavor characterization and process optimization. Collaborate with flavorists, sensory scientists, and application teams to validate ingredient performance and functionality.

Support scale-up activities, technology transfer, and regulatory review processes to enable commercialization. Partner with regional and global stakeholders to understand market needs and establish product success criteria. Prepare technical reports and communicate research findings to leadership and cross-functional teams. Monitor scientific and industry advancements in taste modulation, flavor science, biotechnology, and fermentation technologies to identify new research opportunities. Propose and advance research initiatives aligned with Taste business and corporate innovation strategies.

What Makes You the Right Fit

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 1-3 years of post-doctoral research experience; or M.S. in a related field with 7+ years of industrial flavor research experience.
• Strong knowledge of flavor chemistry, flavor mechanisms, and sensory interactions.
• Proven experience developing bio-based processes involving fermentation and/or biotransformation of food materials.
• Hands-on experience in microbial strain improvement and high-throughput screening methodologies.
• Understanding of bioreactor operations, fermentation principles, and metabolic pathways.
• Experience with raw material characterization, flavor isolation, extraction, and analytical techniques.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
• Demonstrated ability to assess process economics and commercial feasibility.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills with the ability to work effectively in a cross‑functional environment.

How Would You Stand Out?

• Experience in industrial research and development environments within food, flavor, biotechnology, or ingredient industries.
• Knowledge of fermentation scale-up, downstream processing, and flavor fractionation technologies.
• Advanced experience with statistical software and experimental design methodologies.

Why Choose Us?

Opportunity to work on breakthrough technologies shaping the future of sustainable flavor creation. Exposure to global teams, industry-leading scientists, and cross-functional innovation programs. Career development opportunities within a global industry leader. Collaborative and inclusive culture that values scientific curiosity and innovation. Access to learning, development, and technical training programs. 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.

At IFF, we are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy.

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 - 139,880.00 USD

At IFF, we make joy through science, creativity and heart. As the global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health and biosciences, we deliver groundbreaking, sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products – advancing wellness, delighting the senses and enhancing the human experience. We value an inclusive, creative workplace where all individuals can thrive and do their best work. We consider all qualified candidates equally and based on merit, without regard to religion, ethnicity, national origin, race, age, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability.