The English-language job board for Spain

R&D Senior Scientist (Biocatalysis, Organic Synthesis)

On-site in Benicarlo·Full-time·Added 8 days ago (last checked 30 Oct)

IFF

17 open roles

Apply

Our summary

Work mode: On-site, Benicarlo
Contract: Full-time
English: Required
Experience: 3+ years
Education: Doctorate
Benefits: Private health insurance

Visa options

The ad doesn’t mention sponsorship
Not a refusal, but not a yes. Worth asking in your first message.

Find jobs with visa support

Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

PhD in Organic Chemistry, Bioorganic Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field
3-5 years of experience in biocatalysis, ideally within an industrial setting
Strong expertise in enzymatic catalysis and organic synthesis
Proven ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Fluent in English (written and spoken)
Self-driven, adaptable, and eager to contribute to innovation

Nice to have

Experience in the flavor & fragrance industry
Demonstrated experience scaling biocatalytic processes
Leadership potential with ambition to grow into team or project leadership roles

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

Be part of a global leader shaping the future of scent innovation
Work on cutting-edge technologies at the interface of chemistry and biotechnology
Collaborative and multicultural R&D environment
Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development
Exposure to end-to-end innovation from concept to manufacturing
Strong commitment to sustainability and scientific excellence

IFF offers an attractive compensation and benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and work-life balance, including:

Comprehensive medical coverage for you, with optional coverage for your family
Pension plan to support your long-term financial security
Life and accident/disability insurance
Benefits Club with exclusive discounts and savings on everyday purchases and vacation packages through a wide network of providers
Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering confidential access to a wide range of wellbeing, financial, and personal support services for you and members of your household

The role

Are you passionate about applying biocatalysis and organic chemistry to create innovative scent molecules that shape the future of fragrance?

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

Within our Scent R&D division, we develop cutting-edge fragrance ingredients and technologies, combining chemistry, biotechnology, and creativity to drive innovation and sustainability across our portfolio.

The role is based in Benicarló, Spain (Anchor work model). Be part of an innovative, collaborative, and forward-thinking team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

What you'll do

Design and implement novel biocatalytic methodologies with direct application to scent molecule development
Develop experimental procedures, analyze and interpret data, and ensure accurate reporting and documentation
Conduct innovative research projects from early-stage validation through to scale-up
Explore advancements in biotransformation and organic chemistry through literature and IP research
Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation aligned with IFF strategy
Prepare technical reports highlighting research outcomes and optimization opportunities
Independently manage projects from concept to completion
Act as project leader, delivering creative and scientifically sound solutions
Demonstrate strong prioritization and time management across multiple initiatives
Collaborate cross-functionally with chemists, biochemists, and chemical engineers
Mentor junior scientists and trainees, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration
Deliver training to technical teams and act as a local subject matter expert in biocatalysis

About IFF

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and biosciences, creating solutions for food and beverage, scent, health, beauty, home care, animal nutrition, grain processing, and industrial markets. The company describes itself as being at the forefront of scientific progress for nearly two hundred years, with a focus on science, creativity, and sustainability.

IFF operates globally, with a significant presence in Spain, though specific office locations are not detailed in the provided evidence. The company emphasizes an inclusive, creative workplace and considers all qualified candidates equally, making it a potential employer for international professionals seeking opportunities in the flavors, fragrances, and biosciences sectors.

Industry: Flavors, fragrances, food ingredients
Employees: 24,000

Good to know if you are moving

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and biosciences, offering diverse career opportunities across multiple scientific and commercial functions.
The company emphasizes an inclusive, creative workplace and considers all qualified candidates equally, which may be appealing to international applicants.
IFF's careers page is hosted on Workday, indicating a structured and global recruitment process.
The company's focus on sustainability and innovation may align with the values of professionals seeking impactful work.

In their own words

Additional information

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

All open roles at IFF