Research Associate, Bioanalytical and Biochemistry

Job Summary

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products. 

Health & Biosciences: Channeling our passion for nature and bioscience into sustainable, life-enhancing technologies that power innovative solutions across healthcare, food, consumer and industrial markets. 

The role is based in Palo Alto, CA, USA (onsite role). Be part of a curious, collaborative and science-driven team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration. 

Where You’ll Make a Difference 

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments independently to support Research and Development, regulatory and legal projects. 

• Perform immunologically based analytical methods such as western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Ouchterlony immunodiffusion assays. 

• Support protein analysis, protein purification and related bioanalytical workflows that help advance biotechnology innovation. 

• Develop and implement analytical methods to evaluate engineered biocatalysts and processes. 

• Help move research toward development by building quantitative enzyme activity assays and generating reliable data. 

• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, regulatory experts, business teams, attorneys and external partners to support project progress. 

• Transform complex scientific data into clear, organized and timely reports that support project decisions. 

• Identify bottlenecks, troubleshoot technical challenges and optimize laboratory workflows and processes. 

• Participate actively in project teams and contribute to additional laboratory and team priorities as needed. 

What Makes You the Right Fit 

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical biology, molecular biology, analytical science, food science or a related field. 

• Academic or industry laboratory experience in a Research and Development environment, with emphasis on biochemistry or analytical chemistry. 

• Hands-on experience conducting laboratory experiments independently and following good laboratory practices. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to share scientific information clearly. 

• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage tasks, procedures, documentation and samples. 

• Strong quantitative, computer and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. 

• High attention to detail, safety and quality in laboratory work. 

• Ability to collaborate across diverse teams and stakeholders while also leading independent work. 

How Would You Stand Out? 

• Working knowledge of western blotting, SDS-PAGE, ELISA and Ouchterlony immunodiffusion assays. 

• Experience with analytical instruments such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), ion chromatography (IC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) or circular dichroism (CD). 

• Experience with assay development, enzyme kinetics, method execution, validation, troubleshooting and workflow optimization. 

Why Choose Us? 

• Work at a biotechnology center of excellence with advanced Research and Development resources. 

• Contribute to bio-based innovation that supports products and solutions used in everyday life. 

• Join a collaborative, cross-functional team with exposure to scientific, engineering, regulatory, business and legal stakeholders. 

• Build technical expertise in bioanalytical methods, biochemistry and quantitative enzyme activity assays. 

• Learn from experts across biotechnology, protein engineering, synthetic biology and analytical science. 

• Make an impact by helping reduce key development bottlenecks and supporting the path from research to marketplace. 

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