Job Description

Are you passionate about applying fundamental biochemistry to create sustainable, real-world solutions?

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 Palo Alto, California (onsite) at the Genencor Technology Center. Be part of a curious, collaborative, and science-driven team where fundamental research meets real-world impact.

Where You’ll Make a Difference

• Apply core principles of biochemistry, enzymology, and protein chemistry to develop practical solutions for industrial biotechnology applications
• Design, execute, and interpret quantitative enzyme kinetics and structure–function studies
• Investigate enzyme mechanisms, binding interactions, and thermodynamic properties using rigorous experimental approaches
• Independently plan efficient experiments, test hypotheses, and analyze data to support project goals
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams spanning protein engineering, chemical biology, and biotechnology development
• Document experimental work clearly and reproducibly, ensuring high scientific and ethical standards
• Mentor and support junior scientists in enzymology and protein chemistry best practices
• Contribute to a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous learning

What Makes You the Right Fit

• PhD in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline
• Strong hands-on experience in enzymology, protein chemistry, chemical biology, or quantitative biochemical analysis
• Demonstrated expertise in enzyme kinetics, protein structure–function relationships, and mechanism-driven experimentation
• Proven ability to design strategic experiments and interpret data quantitatively
• Experience working independently while contributing effectively within cross-functional teams
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to apply fundamental science to applied challenges
• Clear written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness and ability to work onsite in Palo Alto, California

How Would You Stand Out?

• Post-doctoral research experience in biochemistry, enzymology, or a related field
• Industry experience applying enzymology or protein chemistry to product development
• Experience mentoring students or early-career scientists

Why Choose Us?

• Work at a center of excellence for biotechnology, including synthetic biology, protein engineering, and automation
• Access to end-to-end capabilities from research through fermentation, pilot plant, and commercialization
• Collaborative, curiosity-driven culture that values scientific rigor and innovation
• Opportunities for learning, mentoring, and professional development
• Diverse and inclusive workplace that supports individual growth and contribution
• Beautiful, well-connected Palo Alto campus with global collaboration opportunities

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

Salary Ranges:

$114784- $143480