Polymer Chemist

Job Summary

IFF is a world-class science company working to bring creative solutions to health, consumer, and industrial markets. IFF‘s Health and Biosciences division is currently looking for talented scientists to help in the development of sustainable solutions across technology platforms in Probiotics, HMO, Fibers; Cultures, Enzyme and Biopolymers for markets such as Household & Personal Care, Animal Nutrition, Human Nutrition, and Biofuels.

IFF has an exciting opportunity for a Synthetic Polymer Chemist to join the Biological and Interfacial Sciences team within the global R&D organization. In this team you will work closely with the business, regulatory scientists, biochemists, chemical engineers, and application scientists to discover and develop enzymatically derived biopolymers for a range of markets. The ideal candidate should be knowledgeable with addition and condensation polymerizations as well as process conditions that influence reaction products. We are seeking scientists that are adaptive, self-motivated, and demonstrate a strong passion for science and learning.

The position will be located at the Experimental Station in Wilmington, Delaware, and will be lab-based.

Responsibilities/Description

• Design, initiate and execute synthetic strategies for new product development projects
• Partner with biochemists, engineers, and application experts to discover novel biopolymer biocatalysts
• Work closely with process and production engineers to scale-up new products at global manufacturing sites
• Utilize internal and external characterization techniques to assess polymer and material properties and behavior
• Translate business needs into research strategies, engage with internal and external stakeholders to identify and evaluate new ideas, and develop the necessary fundamentals to bring new chemistry from concept to commercial success
• Collaborate with application scientists to develop and enhance key structure-property relationship understanding in home care, personal care, and food applications.
• Independently contribute in multi-functional research teams; lead project work streams; maintain a state-of-the-art knowledge in biomaterials especially in household and personal care
• Contribute new ideas to develop the innovation pipeline
• Prepare data summaries, technical reports, presentations, protocols, and other technical and regulatory documents as needed.
• Support intellectual property strategy and file patent applications in collaboration with peers and the legal team.
• Use and demonstrate solid project management skills working with stakeholders to define scope, impact, and deliverables.
• On occasion, engage directly with customers on their needs, problems, and prototyping.
• Maintain a safe and clean work area and follow IFF safety policies and standards

Requirements

• Ph.D. in polymer chemistry or polymer engineering or a related discipline with advanced knowledge in polymer reactions and process conditions.
• Experience in synthesizing, characterizing, and formulating polymers and actives as well experience testing in aqueous environments.
• Experience functionalizing polymer using chemistry
• Experience in polysaccharide chemistry and functionalization of polysaccharide backbones such as cellulose and starch are a plus
• Demonstrated record of presenting at conferences, publishing research, and developing patent filings is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge in biocatalysis and usage of enzymes to synthesize or modify macromolecules is a plus.
• Knowledge in bioprocessing, biotechnology will be a plus.
• Demonstrated hands-on-mentality and a strong affinity for lab work.
• Highly motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and a team player with a passion for science and learning beyond polymers to lipids, proteins and other bioactives.
• Ability to adapt to changes, manage multiple projects in parallel, and thrive in a fast-paced R&D environment.

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

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