Senior Scientist

Job Summary

Are you ready to take your skills to the next level and make a real impact?

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 Shanghai, China (onsite role). 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’ll Make a Difference

• Lead and contribute to R&D projects focused on starter culture development, from concept to delivery • Design and execute experiments to develop differentiated solutions in taste, texture, nutrition, and food protection • Build project plans, manage timelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution • Introduce and apply new scientific approaches, including screening methods and process optimization • Integrate digital tools, automation, and AI into R&D workflows, including platforms such as Benchling and statistical tools (e.g., JMP) • Drive knowledge sharing and support the development of technicians and team members • Contribute to innovation impact through patents, publications, or external communication of scientific results

What Makes You the Right Fit

• Advanced degree (PhD) in Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or related field • Proven experience in R&D project management, ideally within a global or matrix organization • Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across functions and stakeholders • Fluent in English • Ability to quickly learn new systems, tools, and methodologies (e.g., SAP, project frameworks) • Hands-on, proactive, and able to balance lab work with strategic project responsibilities

How Would You Stand Out?

• Experience in dairy or fermentation innovation, with strong microbiology expertise • Familiarity with digital tools, AI, and automation in R&D • A collaborative mindset and passion for teamwork • Curious, innovative thinker with strong interest in continuous improvement

Why Choose Us?

• Work in a state-of-the-art R&D facility with advanced technologies • Be part of a global innovation network with strong cross-functional collaboration • Access to learning, development, and career growth opportunities • Inclusive and purpose-driven culture • Opportunity to contribute to sustainable food innovation

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