Polymer Scientist

21h21 hours ago

IFF

Leiden, NL · Full-time · €55,000 – €75,000

About this role

Does the idea of exploring polymer properties and turning insights into innovative applications inspire you? IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and bioscience solutions. Our Leiden site hosts 37 scientists from 12 nationalities with a history in modern biotechnology.

We design microbial cell factories for engineered enzymes used in food, home care, biopolymers, and more. The R&D team drives innovation using generative AI, biomolecular engineering, and high-throughput screening. IFF Health & Biosciences develops a new family of polysaccharides spanning biocatalysis and application development.

As a Polymer Scientist in the Designed Enzymatic Biomaterials platform, apply expertise in polymer and material science to explore physical properties. Translate insights into innovative applications and product development. Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners including process development.

Success requires strong hands-on laboratory skills, a proactive mindset, and connecting findings to business needs like cost-in-use. Interact with international IFF teams in Leiden with occasional travel to Europe and North America. Participate in online meetings outside standard hours.

Requirements

MSc in Material Science, Physical Chemistry or similar discipline with 1-2 years of industrial experience
Strong hands-on lab skills with excellent attention to detail and record-keeping
Proven problem-solving abilities and ability to work independently
Effective in fast-growing, dynamic, and evolving environments
Highly motivated, curious, and proactive in scientific work
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; strong team player
Adaptable, eager to learn, and fluent in spoken and written English

Responsibilities

Understand fundamental material science properties of polysaccharides and their chemical derivatives, and how these add value in customer applications
Identify new opportunities for polysaccharides in diverse industrial applications
Develop and optimize lab workflows and participate in laboratory and customer pilot trials
Contribute to lab management by developing and building laboratory capabilities
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