Data Scientist (Optimization)

Are you passionate about data science? Do you have interest in chemistry? Are you curious to decode with us product design, perceptions, and behaviors? The Cognitive & Data Science team is looking for you!
Come join us, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and health and biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products
This opportunity sits within our Taste business unit where we craft unique, technology-enabled flavor designs that define the identity of food and beverage brands, shape trends in flavor building and fuel market success.

As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for exploring complex, high-dimensional datasets, developing and validating predictive and optimization models. In this role you will be collaborating closely with cross-functional experts in various fields related to flavor creation to bridge data-driven insights with practical outcomes.

Your expertise will help us unlock new opportunities, improve processes, and inform strategic decisions across the organization. Your KPIs will primarily be the internal adoption of the tools as well as the positive impact on win rate and project execution.

Where You will make a difference

To be successful in this role you are a highly skilled Data Scientist with at least 8 years of experience in the field of data science with a strong business acumen and passion to apply data-driven methods to real-world data. You know the scientific fundamentals and are agile with the methods, whilst being pragmatic and result oriented. You strongly believe that insights generated through data science can have a direct impact on product design. You thrive in multidisciplinary settings and enjoy tackling open-ended research questions and translating complex analytical findings into clear and meaningful narratives for non-technical stakeholders.

• Landscaping: Monitor advancements in data science and ML/AI, conduct competitive analysis, and identify opportunities for innovation.

• Experiment and Innovate: Test new techniques, tools, and technologies to drive continuous improvement and stay current with industry & academic developments.

• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with operations, marketing, and R&D to understand business needs and deliver impactful, data-driven solutions.

• Data Exploration: Explore large datasets to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that inform strategic decisions.

• Model Development: Build and implement ML/AI models using leading frameworks to solve business challenges such as optimization, prediction, and forecasting.

• Knowledge sharing: Document and present findings, best practices, and methodologies to foster collaboration and continuous learning.

• Ensure Data Integrity: Work with structured and experimental datasets while adhering to data governance and compliance standards.

• Leverage Cloud Platforms: Utilize cloud computing environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for scalable data solutions.

• Apply Domain Expertise: Incorporate principles of flavor chemistry, sensory evaluation, and experimental design into data-driven approaches.

What Makes You the Right Fit

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field with strong foundations in mathematical and statistical modeling.

• Minimum 8 years of experience in data science, ML/AI, optimization techniques (e.g., linear/nonlinear programming, Bayesian optimization, or multi-objective optimization), statistical modeling, computational chemistry, or related areas.

• Hands-on experience with complex datasets, ideally within the chemical or manufacturing industry, including data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model evaluation.

• Proven expertise in experimental design and optimization of complex systems, with practical experience deploying ML/AI models using popular frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, or Keras).

• Proficiency in one or more programming languages (Python or R)

• Strong understanding of statistical principles, hypothesis testing, and advanced modeling techniques; familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) is a plus.

• Ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines and work closely with subject matter experts (chemical and flavor specialists).

• Excellent communication skills—able to translate complex technical concepts for both technical and non-technical stakeholders; fluency in English required, additional languages preferred.

• Demonstrated project management skills with timely decision-making and ability to thrive in a multicultural, highly diverse environment.

• Strong customer focus, problem-solving ability, creativity, and adaptability when dealing with ambiguity.

• Drive for results and commitment to continuous learning and innovation in data science and cognitive technologies.

Why Choose Us?

At IFF, we combine science and creativity to deliver solutions that make a difference. We offer:

• Be part of a mission-driven culture where your work truly makes a difference.

• Join a team that values individuality and fosters collaboration. 

• Drive digital transformation in a global manufacturing environment. 

• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools and opportunities for learning, career advancement, and personal growth. 

• Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits designed to support your well-being. 

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