Molecule Discovery Leader

Job Summary

Looking for a role that challenges you while making an impact on products people use every day?

We are seeking a highly skilled Molecule Discovery Leader to lead and scale a next-generation molecule discovery engine in China, delivering breakthrough fragrance ingredients and building a world-class innovation hub.

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences, we deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.

Scent: Harnessing the full emotional power of scent, driven by pioneering creativity, science, consumer expertise and a mindful approach to fragrance design.

The role is based in Shanghai (hybrid role), China. Be part of a motivated, passionate, and open-minded team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

Where you will make the difference

In this position, you will play a central role in shaping the future of IFF’s fragrance ingredients palette by driving the discovery of novel, high-value molecules, leveraging advanced scientific approaches and emerging technologies. You will lead and inspire a team of discovery scientists, fostering a culture of creativity, rigor, and breakthrough thinking in molecular design and identification. You will also operate within a highly collaborative ecosystem, engaging closely with R&D experts, perfumers, and business stakeholders to ensure that newly discovered molecules are relevant, scalable, and meaningful in the market.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Drive end-to-end discovery programs by orchestrating internal capabilities and external ecosystems, transforming diverse scientific insights into high-impact, validated molecules with clear pathways to development and commercialization.

Define and lead a holistic molecule discovery strategy, integrating multiple innovation approaches (computational design, AI-driven discovery, rational design, natural inspiration, and biotechnology) to build a differentiated and sustainable pipeline of novel fragrance ingredients.

Position the team at the center of the China innovation ecosystem through strategic partnerships with academia, startups, technology players

Drive collaboration with global R&D, perfumery, data science, and process development teams to translate discovery into business impact

What makes you the right fit

PhD in chemistry, chemical biology, biotechnology or related field, with strong scientific breadth across small molecule discovery and complementary innovation domains.

10+ years of leadership experience in discovery organizations, preferably scent, flavors or pharma, with a proven track record of delivering novel molecules into development pipelines.

Demonstrated ability to lead and integrate multiple discovery paradigms, including experimental chemistry, nature-inspired or bio-based innovation or computational / AI-driven design

Extensive experience managing complex, multi-project environments, ensuring efficient execution and prioritization, as well as structured generation, organization, and utilization of scientific data to support decision-making and accelerate discovery.

Experience in external innovation management and partnerships, including startups, academic collaborations, and technology providers.

Fluency in Mandarin and English

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How would you stand out

Visionary scientific leader with the ambition to redefine molecule discovery and shape the future fragrance ingredient landscape.

Deep expertise in molecular innovation, combining chemistry, biology, or computational design with a proven ability to deliver breakthrough molecules.

Strong industry acumen, linking molecular properties to olfactive performance and commercial impact.

Exceptional rigor and strategic thinking, able to lead complex, multidisciplinary discovery programs and drive tangible outcomes.

Influential collaborator and communicator, capable of aligning diverse stakeholders and accelerating discovery across chemistry, biology, data science, and process development.

Why choose us

IFF is a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering customers a wide range of natural solutions. We believe in the power of diverse perspectives and strive for an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work, regardless of background or identity. At IFF, we are a creative, collaborative environment that encourages innovation and personal growth.

You will have:

Opportunities to learn, develop, and your expertise across regions

Be exposed to global projects and participation in worldwide initiatives.

Receive competitive compensation and benefits package, including performance incentives.

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