Associate Scientist, Process R&D

The Associate Scientist, Process R&D will provide support for process development at the Madison and Rochester sites including process development for new and existing products and transfers of processes.  The focus of the role will include fermentation process development and analytic method development and execution.

The IFF Nutrition & Biosciences plant located in Madison, Wisconsin, USA manufactures a variety of food products and ingredients used in everyday food items, many of them found in local grocery stores including: starter cultures used in the production of cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream; probiotic cultures used for their health promoting effects on the digestive system of humans and animals; and other food ingredients such as food antioxidants for food preservation and enzymes used in cheese manufacturing. 

We are looking for an Associate Scientist to join our Process R&D Probiotics, Cultures, Food Protection Team! The candidate selected will provide support for process development at the Madison and Rochester sites including process development for new and existing products and transfers of processes.  The focus of the role will include fermentation process development and analytic method development and execution.

Essential Functions of this position include (but are not limited to):

• Lab-scale development and implementation of cost-effective manufacturing conditions (formulation and process) impacting cell yield, stability, quality, or activity for selected microbial strains.
• Ensure accurate execution and implementation of lab work by designing experiments, conducting experiments/trials, completing analytic testing, analyzing results, and reporting results.
• Coordinate/oversee the pilot-scale manufacturing of experimental products by working directly with the operators/supervisors and other Process R&D team members.  This will be done through personal presence at the plant and working directly with operators/supervisors and writing reports summarizing results of the trial.
• Follow process data and product quality after industrialization. 
• Develop and execute analytical methods of a variety of pieces of equipment.
• Support analytical equipment through troubleshooting and coordination of preventative maintenance plans.
• Perform statistical analysis on culture performance/analytics and communicate performance trends.
• Flexibility to support occasional off-hour coverage including weekends.

A successful candidate will possess the following:

• Degree in microbiology, bioprocess, biotechnology, biochemistry, chemical/process engineering, or related degree with industry experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree, 3+ years of experience working with Lactic Acid Bacteria preferred 
• Understanding of lactic acid bacteria physiology, freeze-drying technology, and microbial fermentations, as well as process equipment function.
• Experience and understanding of various analytical equipment/methods (HPLC. Gallery, Flow Cytometry, etc.).
• Familiarity with project management techniques.
• Strong communication (verbal and written), organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to independently design, carry-out, and report the results of scientific experiments.

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