Natural Products Botanical Research Scientist

Requisition ID : 500989

Job Description

We are seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates with clearly demonstrated expertise in natural products and/or food science research.
The primary responsibility of this position is to develop natural and sustainable solutions that enhance flavor perception and wellbeing. As part of IFF’s Nourish R&D, we seek a scientist to innovate, create and expand our natural modulation and taste ingredients portfolio.
This position will be in Union Beach, New Jersey at IFF’s Research & Development facility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct innovative research to develop proprietary, global, natural, sustainable modulation and taste ingredients as part of IFF’s flavor portfolio.
• Coordinate and conduct analytical research as related to natural products isolation, identification, and quantification.
• Analyze natural product profiles and functions using advance analytical tools including HPLC-MS, GCMS, NMR and metabolomics.
• Develop and optimize extraction and/or biotransformation processes.
• Explore, research, and source raw material for investigation of product potential.
• Lead independent and collaborative sensory evaluation of pipeline products.
• Collaborate with flavor researchers and local units pertaining to natural product research, sensory evaluation, analytical and regulatory validation, sustainability, process optimization, product scale-up and commercialization.
• Write organized reports to summarize research findings and product development process.
• Review competitor product and patent literature and write patents for novel products.
• Identify, investigate, and implement new and emerging technologies in relevant fields.
• Prepare technical reports, data summaries, presentations, protocols, and other technical and regulatory documents.
• Participate in developing the intellectual property strategy and file patent applications in collaboration with peers and the legal team.
  

Job Requirements

Qualifications:

• Strong skills in natural products research including extraction, distillation, chromatographic separation and compound isolation, and analytical chemistry (HPLC, LCMS).
• Knowledgeable in metabolomics, plant secondary metabolism, enzymatic biotransformation, and/or food science.
• Advanced degree in biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, crop science, plant sciences, food chemistry, or other natural products related fields. Ph.D. or M.S. with ≥3 years of experience.
• Proven record in initiation, development, execution, and completion of research projects.
• Strong communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to multiple projects simultaneously with minimal input from supervisor.
• Strong ability to work in a cross-functional team environment.
• Motivated to develop flavor ingredients.
• Flexibility and drive to learn new skills as needed.
• Computer literacy (proficiency in Microsoft Office & Teams).

Preferred:

• Knowledge of flavor and fragrance chemistry, and taste research including taste modulation.
• Experience in enzymatic reactions for producing value-added ingredients.
• Industry experience
• Experience in flavors, fragrances, food sciences, or consumer product development.
  

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.