Technician, Process R&D

IFF; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision and dental insurance

Parental leave (up to 16 weeks)

Bonus and 401k

Job summary

IFF is seeking a Process Research and Development Technician for on-site work in Palo Alto, CA, supporting small-scale fermentation using standardized testing procedures. You will perform routine testing, record results, and help maintain safe, reliable laboratory operations.

The role involves monitoring fermentations, operating bioreactors, media prep, and basic troubleshooting, with collaboration among technicians, engineers and scientists. Day shift 6 a.m.–2 p.m.; on-site work only.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years hands-on lab experience in fermentation or aseptic techniques.
• Ability to follow written and verbal procedures with support when needed.
• Ability to record results clearly and identify when a procedure may need review.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to collaborate with technicians, engineers and scientists.
• Basic computer skills; willingness to learn lab/process-control systems.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and wear lab PPE.

Responsibilities

• Monitor microbial fermentations in small-scale laboratory vessels.
• Operate and maintain fermentation bioreactors following procedures and documentation.
• Prepare media and support routine lab setup for fermentation operations.
• Perform tank cleaning, maintenance and basic troubleshooting per procedures.
• Monitor processes for contamination and document observations.
• Conduct routine tests using lab equipment and defined methods.
• Carry out prescribed calculations using established formulas and data.
• Collect samples and perform analytical processing as required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement focused on safety, quality, service, and equipment reliability.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Written communication

Verbal communication

Team collaboration

Basic computer skills

Lift up to 50 lbs

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in scientific/engineering/technical field

Tools

Process-control systems

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Job Summary

Are you ready to bring your technical and mechanical skills to fermentation research that can lead to meaningful, real-world solutions?

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 on-site and based in Palo Alto, California and supports laboratory-based work. Be part of a collaborative, solution-oriented and detail-focused team where technicians, engineers and scientists work together to advance fermentation research and development.

As a Process Research and Development Technician, you will support small-scale fermentation activities using standardized testing procedures and established laboratory equipment. You will perform routine testing, record results and help maintain safe, reliable and efficient laboratory operations.

Where You’ll Make a Difference

• Support research and development projects by monitoring microbial fermentations in small-scale, 14-liter laboratory vessels


• Operate and maintain fermentation bioreactors while following established procedures and documentation requirements


• Prepare media and complete routine laboratory setup activities to support fermentation operations


• Perform tank cleaning, maintenance and basic troubleshooting using standardized procedures


• Monitor processes for potential contamination and promptly document or elevate unusual observations


• Carry out routine tests using assembled laboratory equipment and clearly defined testing methods


• Complete prescribed calculations using established formulas, graphs, tables and procedures


• Collect samples using straightforward sampling procedures and complete analytical processing as required


• Contribute to continuous improvement activities focused on process safety, quality, service, efficiency and equipment reliability

What Makes You the Right Fit

• High school diploma or General Educational Development credential


• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and practical troubleshooting skills


• Ability to follow written and verbal procedures accurately, with support readily available when needed


• Ability to record test results clearly and identify when a procedure may need review or modification


• Strong written and verbal communication skills and an ability to collaborate effectively with technicians, engineers and scientists


• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn laboratory and process-control systems


• Ability to safely lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation


• Ability to wear required laboratory personal protective equipment, including safety footwear, safety glasses and gloves


• Availability to work the day shift from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the ability to adjust workflow as laboratory demands change

How Would You Stand Out?

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a scientific, engineering or technical field


• At least two years of hands‑on laboratory experience, particularly with biological systems, fermentation processes or aseptic techniques


• Experience with computer-based process‑control systems and a proactive approach to learning, collaboration and continuous improvement

Why Choose Us?

• An opportunity to contribute directly to fermentation research and development projects


• Daily collaboration with experienced technicians, engineers and scientists


• Hands‑on experience with microbial fermentation systems and small-scale bioreactors


• Medical, visual and dental insurance


• Parental leave extended, up to 16 weeks


• Bonus and 401k

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:

56.154,00ㅤ-ㅤ80.220,00ㅤUSD