Research Scientist (PhD) (m/f/d) - (Bio)Polymer Chemistry

About the job

IFF Pharma Solutions R&D Polymer Synthesis & Modification has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a

Research Scientist (PhD) (m/f/d) – (Bio)Polymer Chemistry

to be located in our IFF R&D Innovation Center in Bomlitz, Lower Saxony, Germany.

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. The R&D Polymer Synthesis & Modification group’s mission is to accelerate growth in the Pharma business by developing and commercializing new products that fulfill unmet market needs through understanding and application of structure-property fundamentals. Within IFF’s Pharma Solutions business “topic” is a strategic area of focus and can deliver a competitive advantage. It impacts multiple stakeholders and functions within the business, at all levels.

As a research scientist you will build a knowledge base on structure-property relationships of (bio)polymers for (bio)pharmaceutical applications and use this knowledge base to develop new products working closely with experts from research, analytical, application development and market facing teams in a cross-functional and international team environment. You own a PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry or Biotechnology, have at least 3 years working experience in the field of polysaccharides and a good understanding in analytical chemistry. Strong teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills are required besides excellent problem-solving skills.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop relationships between end use performance needs and polymer structures.
• Document work, technical understanding and scientific knowledge in reports, publications and Invention Disclosures, management of research projects.
• Jointly with Marketing teams, define, develop and commercialize new products.
• Interface with the Marketing team to understand market and end use performance.
• Work closely with central research groups, define material characterization methodologies and identify critical molecular parameters that affect end use performance.

Job Requirements

Qualifications/Skills

• The candidate has a PhD in Organic or Analytical Chemistry or a comparable degree
• The candidate is experienced in the field of polysaccharides
• The candidate has gained experience in analytical characterization
• The candidate has excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal and communication skills are required

Our offer

You can expect a responsible job in a diverse and technologically demanding environment with all the developmental possibilities of an international group. The position is located within the Pharma Innovation Center in Bomlitz (Germany). Due to the intensive local interaction e. g. with the laboratories, at least basic German language skills are required. The main language in business interactions is English. The position is fulltime and regular (Vollzeit und unbefristet).

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 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.