Research Associate, Bioanalytical and Biochemistry

Job Description

Research Associate, Bioanalytical and Biochemistry - Palo Alto, CA

IFF’s Genencor Technology Center in Palo Alto, CA is currently seeking a Research Associate to join our Bioanalytical and Biochemistry Team!

It’s an exciting time to be part of the IFF family. We are a global leader in taste, scent, nutrition, and biosciences offering our customers a wide range of science-based solutions.

Our Palo Alto R&D site is a center of biotechnology excellence including synthetic biology, host engineering, protein engineering, analytical science, and robotics.

Our IFF team members in Palo Alto, located at the Genencor Technology & Innovation Center, have been pioneers in industrial enzyme engineering for over 40 years.

We are looking for a dedicated and passionate individual to join our Bioanalytical & Biochemistry team. You will join our Research and Development organization and participate in a collaborative, cross-functional team-based environment, working to bring new bio-based products to the marketplace.

This R&D opportunity will be based at IFF’s Genencor Technology and Innovation Center in Palo Alto, California. Our Palo Alto site has excellent resources for biomolecular R&D, including 500 MHz NMR, x-ray diffraction, high-resolution mass spectrometers, an advanced robotic high-throughput screening facility, specialized industry applications research facilities, and a pilot plant including food grade capability.

IFF is seeking a highly motivated candidate to join our Bioanalytical and Biochemistry group. This position will be part of an interdisciplinary, dynamic, and enthusiastic team that contributes to the company’s R&D efforts by developing and implementing analytical methods to evaluate the performance of engineered biocatalysts and processes.

The position will involve working with diverse teams, including with scientists, engineers, regulatory and business experts, and attorneys, as well as performing immunologically-based analytical methods such as western blotting, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, or Ochterlony immunodiffusion assays.

JOB REQUIREMENTS / KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders, including scientists, engineers, business teams, regulatory experts, and attorneys.
• Lead independent efforts while ensuring timely completion of tasks and deliverables.
• Communicate effectively with experts across various scientific and engineering disciplines.
• Conduct laboratory experiments independently to support R&D, regulatory, and legal projects (e.g., western blotting, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, immunodiffusion assays, protein analysis or purification).
• Possess a background in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical biology, molecular biology, analytical science, food science, or related fields.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, along with the ability to organize tasks, procedures, documentation, and samples.
• Ability to work with external vendors and service contracts

LABORATORY DUTIES :

• Perform daily tasks independently and manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines efficiently.
• Work under tight deadlines and communicate effectively with team members and management.
• Emphasize attention to detail, safety, and good laboratory practices while fostering teamwork.
• Stay updated on new technical developments and apply new knowledge to existing processes.
• Identify and address bottlenecks, troubleshoot, and optimize workflows and processes.Generate well-organized and timely data reports consistently.
• Actively participate in project teams and perform additional duties as needed.

Job Requirements

A successful candidate will thrive working both independently and as a team member, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills, hands-on technical proficiency, high attention to details, and a proactive and independent thought process.

They will demonstrate and develop strong organizational skills; strong quantitative skills, computer skills, an ability to clearly communicate scientific information with minimal assistance, strong problem-solving capabilities, and flexibility and ability to work in a fast-paced dynamic environment.

DESIRABLE :

The ideal candidate will bring broad working knowledge and experience with western blotting, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, and Ouchterlony immunodiffusion assays;

along with experience with analytical instruments particularly HPLC, UPLC, mass spectrometry, IC, NMR, FTIR, CD; experience in executing, validating, and troubleshooting analytical methods and workflows.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS :

A BS / BA in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical engineering or related filed with academic or industry laboratory experience in a research and development environment in which biochemistry or analytical chemistry was emphasized.

Compensation ($ 71,500 - $89,400) is based on a variety of factors including but not limited to work experience, skills, certifications, and location.

While we are interested in all qualified candidates with the potential to work in the United States, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Additionally, to qualify for this position, you must be proficient in English, including reading, writing, and verbal communication.

At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of 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.