Biochemistry Scientist

Are you a biochemist passionate about turning cutting‑edge science into real‑world solutions? Join us and help shape the next generation of sustainable biotechnology.

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.

As a Biochemistry Scientist, you will help discover and optimize enzymes that synthesize and modify novel polymers. You’ll apply your strong biochemical expertise to translate model systems, develop predictive assays, and support innovation across the platform. We’re looking for someone with hands-on experience in enzymology, protein engineering, enzyme discovery, and assay development. A background—and passion—for molecular biology is preferred.

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

• Develop a strong understanding of enzyme applications in biopolymer synthesis

• Design and carry out enzyme production, characterization, application testing and engineering to improve enzyme functionality as biocatalyst

• Develop biochemical and enzymatic assays to predict enzyme performance in model systems

• Implement assays for automation and high throughput screening

• Independently contribute to multi-functional research teams; lead work streams of projects; maintain a state-of-the-art knowledge in biochemistry and expertise within multiple technologies in the area of protein chemistry, enzymology and biocatalysis

• Regularly interact with other project scientists to advance project goals

• Read and apply relevant scientific literature

What Makes You the Right Fit

• MSc in Biochemistry, Biotechnology or similar discipline with 1-2 years of industrial experience

• Skills in enzymology and assay development are required

• Highly motivated, scientifically curious, and proactive

• Strong hands-on lab skills with excellent attention to detail and record-keeping

• Effective team player with strong communication skills and an open-minded approach

• Strong problem-solving abilities and capable of working independently with minimal supervision; fluent in written and spoken English

How You Would Stand Out

• Additional experience in enzyme discovery, protein engineering/mutagenesis is a plus

• Background in carbohydrates and carbohydrates modifying enzymes will be considered an asset

• Experience in molecular biology and analysis of large datasets is welcome

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