Synthetic Biologist

Job Summary

Help us to build next generation production host with use of synthetic biology!

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and bioscience solutions. Our innovations power everyday products through sustainable, cutting-edge science.

At our Leiden site—home to 45 scientists from 15 nationalities—we have a proud history rooted in the early days of modern biotechnology. Today, we continue to lead the industry in sustainable bio solutions.

Our R&D team designs microbial cell factories to create engineered enzymes used in food & beverages, home & personal care, animal nutrition, grain processing, biopolymers, and more. We drive innovation from idea to production, using generative AI, advanced biomolecular engineering, high throughput enzyme engineering, and full-scale testing at IFF manufacturing plants.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated researcher in the field of Synthetic Biology to join our Fungal Genetics team focusing on strain development and protein engineering.

Success in this role requires hands-on experience and deep expertise in synthetic biology. A background in microbial genetics, enzyme engineering and protein expression is a plus, affinity with laboratory automation and programming an advantage. Strong teamwork skills combined with passion for science and technology are key requirements.

This Leiden based role involves close interaction with international IFF teams. Occasional travel to R&D sites in Europe and North America may be required, along with participation in online meetings outside standard working hours.

Where You’ll Make a Difference

• Maintain a scientific overview of developments in Synthetic Biology.

• Identify, develop and implement novel molecular biology tools and technologies.

• Develop and apply flow cytometry and “-omics” tools for strain improvement and bottleneck identification.

• Contribute technically to project related design-build-test-learn cycles, including strain engineering, gene library construction, and high-throughput cloning.

• Prepare and present technical reports, data summaries, protocols and other technical and regulatory documentation.

• Participate in developing the intellectual property strategy and drafting patent applications in collaboration with peers and the legal team.

• Dedicate more than 50% of working time to hands-on laboratory work.

What Makes You the Right Fit

• Ph.D. in Synthetic Biology or closely related field (Biological Engineering, Molecular Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology) with 1-3 years of experience

• Publications and proven track record of research as a Synthetic Biologist.

• Additional experience in industry or relevant academia environment is a plus.

• Problem solving mindset, with a focus on practical solutions.

• Ability to work with minimal oversight and in a collaborative team.

• Affinity for automation and programming is welcome.

• Hands-on mentality with strong experimental and laboratory skills.

• Good record-keeping and organizational skills, with attention to detail and a goal‑oriented, proactive mindset.

• Good communication, presentation and networking skills.

How You Would Stand Out

• Experience with Synthetic Biology projects and research tools.

• Proven ability to design and pursue novel research concepts.

Why Choose Us?

• Join a dynamic, innovative, and multicultural team of highly skilled scientists 

• Grow professionally and build your career in biotechnology, in an energetic, inclusive, and multicultural environment

• Attractive compensation and benefits, such as:

• Individual Choice Budget of 8% of the annual base salary, employee choice to be paid in monthly instalments or to exchange for additional time off up to 15 extra days per year

• 25 vacation days and 3 bridge days, of which 2 of them are chosen by the employer

• Annual Incentive Plan

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