Job Summary
IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.
Within our Scent R&D division, we develop cutting-edge fragrance ingredients and technologies, combining chemistry, biotechnology, and creativity to drive innovation and sustainability across our portfolio.
The role is based in Benicarló, Spain (Anchor work model). Be part of an innovative, collaborative, and forward-thinking team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.
Where You’ll Make a Difference
Innovation & Technology
• Design and implement novel biocatalytic methodologies with direct application to scent molecule development
• Develop experimental procedures, analyze and interpret data, and ensure accurate reporting and documentation
• Conduct innovative research projects from early-stage validation through to scale-up
• Explore advancements in biotransformation and organic chemistry through literature and IP research
• Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation aligned with IFF strategy
• Prepare technical reports highlighting research outcomes and optimization opportunities
Project Management
• Independently manage projects from concept to completion
• Act as project leader, delivering creative and scientifically sound solutions
• Demonstrate strong prioritization and time management across multiple initiatives
Collaboration & Leadership
• Collaborate cross-functionally with chemists, biochemists, and chemical engineers
• Mentor junior scientists and trainees, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration
• Deliver training to technical teams and act as a local subject matter expert in biocatalysis
What Makes You the Right Fit
• PhD in Organic Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field
• 3–5 years of experience in biocatalysis, ideally within an industrial setting
• Strong expertise in enzymatic catalysis and organic synthesis
• Proven ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Self-driven, adaptable, and eager to contribute to innovation
How Would You Stand Out?
• Experience in the flavor & fragrance industry
• Demonstrated experience scaling biocatalytic processes
• Leadership potential with ambition to grow into team or project leadership roles
Why Choose Us?
• Be part of a global leader shaping the future of scent innovation
• Work on cutting-edge technologies at the interface of chemistry and biotechnology
• Collaborative and multicultural R&D environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development
• Exposure to end-to-end innovation from concept to manufacturing
• Strong commitment to sustainability and scientific excellence
IFF offers an attractive compensation and benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and work-life balance, including:
• Comprehensive medical coverage for you, with optional coverage for your family
• Pension plan to support your long-term financial security
• Life and accident/disability insurance
• Benefits Club with exclusive discounts and savings on everyday purchases and vacation packages through a wide network of providers
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering confidential access to a wide range of wellbeing, financial, and personal support services for you and members of your household
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
Skills Required
- PhD in Organic Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field
- 3-5 years of experience in biocatalysis
- Experience within an industrial setting (ideally)
- Strong expertise in enzymatic catalysis
- Strong expertise in organic synthesis
- Experience managing projects independently and acting as project leader
- Ability to mentor junior scientists and deliver training
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
- Fluent in English (written and spoken)
- Experience scaling biocatalytic processes
- Experience in the flavor & fragrance industry
- Leadership potential and ambition to grow into team or project leadership roles
IFF Family of Companies Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about IFF Family of Companies and has not been reviewed or approved by IFF Family of Companies.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered competitive in many roles and locations, and compensation is often described as good.
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Parental & Family Support — A global minimum of 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave for all new parents is in place. This policy is positioned as a notable component of the overall package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Core offerings include paid time off, sick days, holidays, and sabbatical leave. Flexible scheduling options such as compressed workweeks and hybrid/remote arrangements are available where feasible.
IFF Family of Companies Insights
What We Do
Meet IFF: We boldly bring together science and creativity to create what the world needs. An industry leader in food, beverage, health and biosciences, we create essential solutions – from global icons to unexpected innovations and experiences. Equal parts outspoken and analytical, our international collective of thinkers working with customers to bring scents, tastes, experiences, ingredients and solutions for products people crave. With 24,000 employees across 65 countries, more than 110 manufacturing facilities, 100 R&D centers, and 33,000 customers across the world, we’re poised to make a difference on an unprecedented scale. Without our boundary-pushing passion and end-to-end expertise, the future wouldn’t be the same. Visit us at www.iff.com to learn more about how our talented people and new technology are challenging the expected, championing creators and doing more good for people and planet. Explore what sets us apart.
