The Senior Engineer position at IFF’s Nutrition & Biosciences Process R&D in Wilmington, Delaware, is a remarkable opportunity for an engineering professional with experience in enzyme catalysis and reaction processes. This role is not just a job; it's a chance to be at the forefront of biotechnological advancements. The selected candidate will be an integral part of a vibrant team, contributing to groundbreaking research that spans the full gamut of process development. From the thrill of initial discovery to the meticulous work involved in scaling up processes, from overseeing pilot production to the critical phase of transferring technology to manufacturing plants, this position offers a challenging and rewarding career path for a dedicated engineer or scientist. It's a role that promises professional growth, continuous learning, and the chance to make a significant impact in the field of biotechnology.
About IFF
At IFF (NYSE: IFF), an industry leader in food, beverage, health, biosciences and sensorial experiences, science and creativity meet to create essential solutions for a better world – from global icons to unexpected innovations and experiences. With the beauty of art and the precision of science, we are an international collective of thinkers who partners with customers to bring scents, tastes, experiences, ingredients, and solutions for products the world craves. Together, we will do better for people and the planet. Learn more at iff.com, Twitter , Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a key technical contributor in bioprocess development, focusing on recovery and separations technology research.
- Integrate enzyme catalysis technologies from various sources to enhance the value of new and existing products.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including process technicians, molecular biologists, microbiologists, and fermentation engineers, while also having the autonomy to conduct independent experiments.
- Utilize expertise in recovery and separations to troubleshoot and improve technologies, products, or applications, fostering business growth.
- Drive innovation projects from conception to prototype, leading report writing, invention disclosures, claim drafting, and collaborating with the IP team on patent applications.
- Design and implement experimental strategies to optimize the recovery yields, rates, and characteristics of enzymatic systems, overseeing scale-up/scale-down processes.
- Support polymer synthesis initiatives by implementing various methodologies, including evolution screening and small-scale assays.
- Adapt to a dynamic work environment as part of an agile team.
- Enhance professional knowledge through continuous engagement with scientific literature and networking.
- Identify and address inefficiencies in current research procedures and systems, suggesting practical solutions.
- Independently manage specific workstreams or programs within larger projects, guided by project or technical leaders' input.
- Lead and oversee laboratory activities, guiding teams of technicians, analysts, and technologists.
Requirements:
We value hands-on experience and academic achievement in equal measure and are excited to welcome a new member who shares our passion for excellence and innovation in the field.
- Possess a PhD in Chemical Engineering or Biosciences
- Or hold a Master's degree in a relevant field of Engineering or Biosciences, with at least 5 years of industrial experience
- Alternatively, have a Bachelor's degree in a related Engineering or Biosciences discipline, complemented by a minimum of 10 years of industrial experience
Required skills:
- Enzyme Structure and Function: Deep understanding of how enzymes work, including active sites, substrate specificity, and catalytic mechanisms
- Enzyme Kinetics: Understanding the rates of enzyme-catalyzed reactions
- Catalytic Pathways: Familiarity with different catalytic strategies and pathways
- Reaction Engineering: Understanding the kinetics and dynamics of enzyme-catalyzed reactions in industrial processes
- Process Optimization: Techniques for scaling up enzyme reactions from the lab to industrial scale, including reactor design and process control
- Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot and optimize enzyme reactions
- Laboratory Skills: Experience with lab equipment and protocols, including safety procedures
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and collaboration
- Teamwork: Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams
- Some travel required (≤ 20%)
- Position is in-person in Wilmington, DE
Preferred Skills:
- Scale-up and piloting experience
- Enzyme Assays: Methods for measuring enzyme activity, including spectrophotometric, fluorometric, and colorimetric assays
- Proficiency in analytical techniques like HPLC, FTIR, NIR and SEC
- Knowledgeable and experienced in biotechnology and R&D environment
- Experience applying design of experiments and statistical analyses
- Experience in any programming language (ex. VBA, JMP, Minitab, Python)
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
