Biochemist

IFF is looking for a Biochemist to join our Research & Development team in Leiden, and we hope it’s you!
We are an Innovation Powerhouse making the impossible a reality through Biotechnology. The IFF laboratories in Leiden have a long and dynamic history that goes back to the beginnings of modern biotechnology, to become the world market leader in sustainable bio-solutions. The Leiden R&D team houses 37 creative, multi-disciplinary scientists from 13 different nationalities.
Our R&D team develops microbial cell factories to produce engineered enzymes for applications in food & beverages, home & personal care, animal nutrition and health, grain processing and more. We implement all innovative steps from business idea and the use of generative AI to sample genetic diversity, to assay design, high-throughput screening, full-scale testing and manufacturing at our production plants.
For the advertised position, we are looking for an enthusiastic biochemist, who will be part of a team that is responsible for discovering and optimizing enzyme technologies across a wide range of applications and providing sustainable solutions to change the world. You will bring strong practical background in biochemistry to translate and downscale model systems and develop predictive enzyme assays.
The position requires a person with relevant experience in enzymology and biochemical assay development. Passion for high-throughput screening and assay automation is preferred.
This new opportunity in the Research & Development team will be based at IFF’s Leiden (Netherlands) facility, but the position will interface closely with other international teams at IFF. Occasional travel to other R&D sites in Europe and North America is expected, as well as participating in (online) meetings after standard working hours.

Working with the global protein engineering teams, you will: 

• Execute and develop biochemical and enzymatic assays to predict enzyme performance in model systems and implement assays for automation and high throughput screening
• Design and carry out enzyme production, purification, characterization and application testing to improve enzyme functionality as biocatalyst
• Independently contribute to multi-functional research teams; support work streams of projects; maintain a state-of-the-art knowledge in biochemistry and expertise within multiple technologies around protein chemistry, enzymology and biocatalysis
• Regularly interact with other project members to advance project goals
• Build understanding of the use of enzymes in downstream applications.
• Document and communicate best-practices. 

Job Requirements :

• MSc degree in biochemistry or BSc plus the equivalent level of experience (2-5 years).
• Skills in enzymology and assay development are required 
• Analytical chemistry (HPLC knowledge is nice-to-have) and protein purification skills is a plus
• Affinity for high-throughput screening

Soft skills :

• Highly motivated and curious in science with a pragmatic attitude
• Hands-on mentality and strong lab work skills
• Good record-keeping organizational skills with attention to detail
• Strong teamwork, open-minded person with excellent communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to operate independently with a minimum of supervision
• Fluent in spoken and written English is expected.

We offer:

• Position in a dynamic team of inspired, innovative, and highly skilled scientists
• An energetic work environment created by inclusive and multicultural team
• The opportunity to grow professionally and to develop a career in Biotechnology
• Competitive salary and attractive compensation and benefits, such as:
  • Individual Choice Budget of 8% of the annual base salary, employee choice to be paid in monthly instalments or to exchange for additional time off up to 15 extra days per year
  • 25 vacation days and 3 bridge days, of which 2 of them are determined by the employer
  • Annual Incentive Plan.

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