Senior Scientist - Industrial Biotechnology & Fermentation Innovation

As part of our R&D Naturals team in Grasse, you will play a central role in identifying, developing, and characterizing novel natural ingredients derived from microbial and fermentation-based technologies. Acting as a key interface between IFF-LMR Research & Development and external innovation partners, you will help accelerate the discovery of breakthrough solutions for flavor and fragrance applications.

This role combines scientific excellence with strategic innovation. You will explore emerging technologies, build collaborations across industry and academia, and transform scientific opportunities into commercially relevant solutions. Working closely with Program and Project Leaders, you will contribute to the expansion of IFF's natural ingredients portfolio while supporting our sustainability ambitions.

Together, we will redefine what is possible through biotechnology and unlock new opportunities for scent and taste creation.

Where You'll Make a Difference

• Develop innovative microbial and fermentation-based approaches to create natural ingredients for flavor and fragrance applications.
• Translate sensory and product development objectives into biotransformation and microbial production strategies.
• Identify, evaluate, and optimize microorganisms capable of producing high-value compounds from plant-based raw materials and agricultural by-products.
• Explore emerging technologies in industrial biotechnology, fermentation science, biocatalysis, and biomass valorization.
• Support analytical, biochemical, and sensory evaluation of fermentation-derived ingredients.
• Build strong collaborations with internal stakeholders, external partners, technology providers, and innovation networks.
• Lead or contribute to scientific projects from ideation through proof-of-concept and technology validation.
• Conduct technology scouting activities and identify new innovation opportunities aligned with business priorities.
• Communicate scientific findings through technical reports, presentations, publications, and project reviews.
• Contribute to the development of strategic partnerships that accelerate innovation and sustainable growth.
• Depending on experience, progressively assume broader project leadership and mentoring responsibilities.

What Makes You the Right Fit

• PhD in Industrial Biotechnology, Microbiology, Fermentation Sciences, Food Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Alternatively, significant industrial experience in biotechnology-driven sectors such as biorefineries, biomass valorization, microbial bioprocessing, food ingredients, agricultural biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, or specialty ingredients.
• Strong expertise in microbial cultivation, fermentation processes, microbial metabolism, and biotransformation pathways.
• Experience with the valorization of plant-based feedstocks and natural raw materials.
• Knowledge of enzyme technologies, biocatalysis, or fermentation-derived ingredients is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as GC-MS, LC-MS, and volatile compound characterization.
• Understanding of process scale-up, technology transfer, and industrial development is considered an advantage.
• Experience managing scientific collaborations, innovation projects, or external partnerships is highly valued.
• Fluent in English; French language skills are a plus.

How Would You Stand Out?

• A strong passion for scientific discovery and sustainable innovation.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify emerging opportunities and transform them into impactful projects.
• Experience in flavor & fragrance, botanical ingredients, natural extracts, fermented foods, essential oils, or related natural product industries.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive in multidisciplinary and international environments.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and mentoring capabilities.
• Curiosity, creativity, and a desire to challenge conventional approaches.
• Willingness to travel to partner organizations, production sites, research centers, and industry events.

Why Choose Us?

• Opportunity to work at the forefront of biotechnology innovation within a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition.
• Exposure to a diverse network of scientific experts, innovation partners, and leading research institutions.
• A collaborative environment where curiosity, creativity, and entrepreneurship are encouraged.
• Learning and development opportunities to support your professional growth.
• A chance to contribute to sustainable solutions that shape the future of natural ingredients.

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

About Us

At IFF, we make joy through science, creativity and heart. As the global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health and biosciences, we deliver groundbreaking, sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products – advancing wellness, delighting the senses and enhancing the human experience. We value an inclusive, creative workplace where all individuals can thrive and do their best work. We consider all qualified candidates equally and based on merit, without regard to religion, ethnicity, national origin, race, age, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability.