Process Research Lead Engineer (m / w / d)

About the Job

IFF Pharma Solutions Process R&D has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a

Process Research Lead Engineer

The IFF Pharma Solutions business produces and sells high-performance cellulose derivatives, alginates and related polymers used for formulations across a broad variety of applications in the Pharmaceuticals, Food, and Industrial Specialties and Personal Care markets. The portfolio is a highly profitable part of the company and has shown significant value growth over the last several years.

Within IFF’s Pharma Solutions business Technology and Process expertise is a strategic area of focus and can deliver a competitive advantage.

As a Process Research Lead Engineer you will be reporting into Process R&D and work across the functions (R&D and Process R&D, Innovation, Regulatory, Manufacturing and Technology, Marketing) within the global business to support and execute Pharma Solutions innovation, technology development and asset strategy.

Responsibilities :

• The Process Research Lead Engineer will improve existing production processes and develop new process technology for new and current products and processes in the area of chemically modified cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, alginates, and polysaccharides by :
• Applying process engineering and chemistry principles to generate new product and process capabilities with improved cost and / or performance.
• Defining process unit operations and conditions for new products in the application area of naturally derived polymers.
• Development of reaction kinetic and process simulation models and tools to evaluate process improvement opportunities and to optimize existing production technologies.
• Investigating, troubleshooting, and optimizing existing production processes to incorporate technology advances that decrease manufacturing cost, improve first pass target and prime yield, increase capacity, and reduce energy use.
• Scale up of novel product improvements by designing and conducting trials for lab scale, pilot scale, production scale, and / or with targeted equipment vendors. Exploring, evaluating, proposing, and / or championing new process technologies and equipment suppliers.
• Project management of technology & scale-up development and manufacturing improvement initiatives in support of innovation and production targets for the business.
• Guiding experimental programs to ensure the results are useful for process optimization and equipment design.

About You

Qualification / skills

PhD or M.Sc in Chemical or Industrial Engineering with or equivalent chemical / polymer process R&D or Manufacturing & Technology experience (3 – 5 years)

3 years of industrial experience (Process R&D preferred) including solids processing, polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, project management, productivity improvement, data analysis and scale-up development is required for this position.

Top candidates will have a proven track record of creating innovative solutions and delivering new process technology to achieve business-valued targets.

Capable of performing independently as well as interact effectively within global teams.

Demonstrated knowledge and effective application of process engineering technology at larger scale, modeling tools and data analysis combined with good technical documentation.

Candidates will have experience in process development, have demonstrated good scientific method, and have some experience leading process research projects. Strong data analysis and technical documentation skills are required.

Solids processing & handling, chemical reaction modeling and simulation expertise would be a plus.

Strong data analysis and technical documentation skills are required.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to speak fluently in German and English.

Relocation to Bomlitz site is required. Extended stays (up to 3-4 weeks) to support projects on site in production facilities are expected.

Location : Bomlitz, Germany

Working Conditions :

Full time,

Remote work is supported for this role (1 day per week),

Some travel required (

Our offer :

You can expect a responsible job in a diverse and technologically demanding environment with all the possibilities in an international group.

The position is grouped according to the qualifications and previous experience of the final candidate. We look forward to receiving your application.

The Pharma Solutions business will be taking on its next chapter of growth as a trusted partner for the pharmaceutical industry with the announcement to sell Pharma Solutions to Roquette. This move will position Pharma Solutions to expand its industry leadership through continued investment in innovation to meet the evolving needs of pharmaceutical manufacturers and developers worldwide.

The sale is presently expected to close in the first half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. The Pharma Solutions business unit will remain a part of IFF until close and, at such time, it will transition to Roquette. In applying for this position, you acknowledge your awareness that the position is a part of the Pharma Solutions business unit and has been identified to transition to Roquette.

IFF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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 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.