Synthetic Biologist

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 sitehome to 45 scientists from 15 nationalitieswe 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 Youll 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 goaloriented 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.

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