IFF
Senior Scientist, Biochemistry & Research Applications
3333 Coyote Hill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Full-time
First seen by offpeak October 4, 2026
See your drive time Apply on IFF's site
Job Summary
Are you passionate about using biotechnology and biochemistry to create sustainable solutions for food, feed, and renewable fuels?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 Palo Alto, California. Be part of a collaborative, innovative, and solution-oriented team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.
Where You'll Make a Difference
- Investigate the impact of enzyme in the production of vegetable oil & fats derived products, biofuels, animal feed, and food ingredients.
- Apply expertise in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, fermentation, or related disciplines to develop innovative technical solutions.
- Build and optimize laboratory and digital model systems that evaluate enzyme in customer-relevant processes with a special focus on vegetable oil & fats processing.
- Design, execute, analyze, and present experimental plans and research findings to project teams and stakeholders.
- Generate technical data and provide bioanalytical and applications support for research and product development initiatives.
- Lead technical workstreams and contribute creative ideas that advance innovation and business objectives.
- Advise on technical feasibility of new ideas and concepts.
- Translate customer and industry needs into technical targets guiding the research work.
- Engage with customers on technical discussions and support customer trials.
- Support the transfer and implementation of new products and processes to manufacturing sites and customer operations.
- Utilize advanced digital tools and data analysis techniques to evaluate laboratory and customer process datasets.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across global locations to drive project success and deliver value to customers.
What Makes You the Right Fit
- Ph.D. in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant laboratory experience in an academic, biotechnology, food, or industrial research environment.
- Hands-on experience with bioanalytical instrumentation and biochemical assay development.
- Hands on experience using enzymes in the vegetable oil & fats processing industry
- Strong understanding of enzymology, fermentation, bioprocessing, or related biochemical systems.
- Demonstrated knowledge of experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of scientific data.
- Experience translating research findings into practical applications and product development opportunities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present technical information.
- Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% as required.
How Would You Stand Out?
- Experience with yeast fermentation, oil biochemistry, or grain processing applications.
- Proficiency using advanced digital modeling, data analytics, or process simulation tools.
- Creative, adaptable, and proactive approach to solving complex scientific challenges.
Why Choose Us?
- Competitive Benefits (US): Our benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), vacation, holidays, 16 weeks paid parental leave (maternity and paternity), and an annual bonus plan. IFF was also recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Perks & Benefits.
- Diversity & Inclusion (US): IFF has been recognized previously in the US on the Disability Equality Index® – Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion
- Innovation: Gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and trailblazing advancements in biotechnology. Meaningful work helping advance solutions for renewable fuels, food ingredients, and animal nutrition.
- Global Collaboration: Be part of a global organization that values innovation, creativity, and collaborating amongst our diverse, cross-functional teams
- Sustainability: Contribute to solutions that support a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world. IFF was recognized on the Forbes Net Zero Leaders 2026 list within the chemicals/materials sector.
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:
100,436.00ㅤ-ㅤ143,480.00ㅤUSD