Analytical Chemist

Are you passionate about unlocking insights from complex biological samples using advanced analytical tools?

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and bioscience solutions. Our innovations power everyday products through sustainable, cutting-edge science.

At our Leiden site—home to 37 scientists from 12 nationalities—we have a proud history rooted in the early days of modern biotechnology. Today, we continue to lead the industry in sustainable bio-solutions.

Our R&D team designs microbial cell factories to create engineered enzymes used in food & beverages, home & personal care, animal nutrition, grain processing, biopolymers, and more. We drive innovation from idea to production, using generative AI, advanced biomolecular engineering, high-throughput screening, and full-scale testing at IFF manufacturing plants.

IFF Health & Biosciences is currently developing a new family of polysaccharides with broad industrial potential. This work spans biocatalysis, polymer process design, and application development, requiring strong cross-functional collaboration.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Analytical Chemist to join our Designed Enzymatic Polysaccharide Biomaterials (DEB) platform in Leiden. Ideal candidates bring experience in (bio)polymer characterization, biochemical assay development, or colloid and interface science.

Success in this role requires strong hands‑on laboratory skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to connect scientific findings to business needs—such as cost‑in‑use considerations and competitive product or process evaluations.

This Leiden-based role involves close interaction with international IFF teams. Occasional travel to R&D sites in Europe and North America may be required, along with participation in online meetings outside standard working hours.

Where You’ll Make a Difference

• Perform analytical requests from the R&D team

• Design, plan, and execute assigned analytical work packages utilizing established procedures, and applying scientific knowledge

• Develop new and improve currently applied (bio)chemical assays

• Ensure qualification, calibration, and maintenance of analytical laboratory equipment

• Assure digitalization of generated data

• Interact with internal and external cross-functional scientific teams

• Read and apply relevant scientific literature

• Present research activities at internal and external meetings

• Support the intellectual property team in the field of analytical chemistry

What Makes You the Right Fit

• MSc in Analytical Chemistry or similar disciplines with 1-2 years of industrial experience

• Experience with protein and carbohydrate LC

• Familiarity with colloidal science analytics, more specifically in particle size analysis and rheology

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Proven experience communicating and collaborating effectively with project teams and managers, both in one-on-one settings and in larger group interactions.

• Strong teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills; fluent in written and spoken English

How You Would Stand Out

• Experience with CE, GC and NMR is a plus

• Hands-on experience in purification and quantification of enzymes from fermentation samples is a plus

• Proven track record of determination of physical chemistry parameters; viscosity and size analysis by capillary viscometer, charge titration, and size exclusion chromatography will be considered an asset

Why Choose Us?

• Join a dynamic, innovative, and multicultural team of highly skilled scientists

• Grow professionally and build your career in biotechnology, in an energetic, inclusive, and multicultural environment.

• 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