Senior Scientist, Biochemistry & Research Applications

Job Summary

Location: Palo Alto, California (on-site role)

Join our collaborative, innovative, and solution-oriented team applying enzyme science to create value for our customers and deliver meaningful real-world impact. We value curious and creative minds, diverse perspectives, and a passion for driving innovation.

Where You'll Make a Difference

• Apply expertise in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, or related disciplines to develop innovative technical solutions.
• Investigate the impact of enzymes in the production of biofuels, animal feed, and food ingredients, as well as vegetable oil & fat-derived products.
• Build and optimize predictive laboratory and model systems that evaluate enzyme and yeast performance in complex customer-relevant processes, with a special focus on grain and vegetable oil processing.
• Generate technical data and provide bioanalytical and applications support for research and product development initiatives.
• Design, execute, analyze, and present experimental plans and research findings to project teams and stakeholders.
• 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 to guide research work.
• Engage with customers in technical discussions and presentations.
• Support the transfer and implementation of new products and processes to manufacturing sites and customer operations. Provide onsite support for customer plant trials.
• 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 Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 4+ years of relevant laboratory experience in an academic or industrial research environment.
• Hands-on experience with bioanalytical instrumentation and biochemical assay development.
• Strong understanding of chemistry, biochemistry, enzymology, fermentation, bioprocessing, or related fields.
• 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.
• Hands-on experience using enzymes in different applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% as required.

How Would You Stand Out?

• Experience with enzymes, biochemistry, yeast fermentation, vegetable oil chemistry, and/or grain processing applications.
• Creative, adaptable, and proactive approach to solving complex scientific challenges.
• Ability to communicate with different audiences, from internal colleagues to external customers.

Additional information

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.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to

Salary Ranges

100,436.00 - 143,480.00 USD