Application Scientist
Job SummaryAre you passionate about innovation that transforms everyday products into extraordinary experiences?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 tied to either our Cedar Rapids, Wilmington, or Palo Alto location. Be part of a creative, agile team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.Where You’ll Make a DifferenceServe as a technical subject matter expert in yeast physiology, fermentation performance, and process optimization for fuel ethanol and potable alcohol applicationsDesign, execute, and interpret bench- and pilot-scale fermentation experiments to support internal development projects and customer needsLead and support customer trials, including trial design, execution, on-site troubleshooting, and post-trial data analysisTranslate fermentation data into clear, actionable technical recommendations and business-relevant insightsPresent technical findings and conclusions to diverse audiences, including Research & Development (R&D), Sales, Business teams, and customersSupport commercialization of yeast and enzyme solutions through application evaluation, scale-up assistance, and post-launch technical supportCollaborate cross-functionally within a global, multidisciplinary organization to advance product, technology, and customer objectivesMentor and support the development of junior scientists and technicians, strengthening fermentation and analytical capabilities within the labWhat Makes You The Right FitPhD or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Fermentation Science, Yeast Physiology, Bioprocess Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related fieldIndustry experience in fuel ethanol and/or potable alcohol fermentation, with hands-on exposure to yeast performance and process challengesStrong working knowledge of yeast physiology, stress responses, and substrate interactions in grain-based fermentationsDemonstrated experience designing and running bench-scale fermentations; exposure to pilot or plant-scale environments is preferredExperience leading or supporting customer trials and working directly with customers in an applied or technical service roleStrong analytical skills related to fermentation performance, yield optimization, and product evaluationAbility to clearly communicate complex technical concepts in written reports and oral presentationsProven ability to work independently while contributing effectively within cross-functional teamsWillingness to travel up to 25% to support customer trials and technical engagementsHow Would You Stand Out?Experience presenting technical results to commercial or business-focused audiencesPrior experience mentoring, coaching, or developing junior scientists or techniciansAbility to connect scientific insight with application performance and commercial impactWhy Choose Us?Opportunity to work on impactful, industrial-scale fermentation challenges with real customer outcomesBlend of hands-on laboratory work and customer-facing technical leadershipCollaborative, global team environment with strong cross-functional interactionExposure to product development through commercialization and post-launch supportCommitment to scientific excellence, learning, and professional growthCompetitive compensation and benefits within a purpose-driven organizationWe 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