Research Associate, Bioanalytical and Biochemistry

About the role

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and health & biosciences, delivering sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products. This onsite role in Palo Alto, CA, is part of a curious, collaborative, and science-driven team focused on transforming science and biotechnology to make a real impact.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments independently to support Research and Development, regulatory, and legal projects.
• Perform immunologically based analytical methods such as western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and Ouchterlony immunodiffusion assays.
• Support protein analysis, protein purification, and related bioanalytical workflows to advance biotechnology innovation.
• Develop and implement analytical methods to evaluate engineered biocatalysts and processes.
• Build quantitative enzyme activity assays and generate reliable data to help move research toward development.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, regulatory experts, business teams, attorneys, and external partners to support project progress.
• Transform complex scientific data into clear, organized, and timely reports that support project decisions.
• Identify bottlenecks, troubleshoot technical challenges, and optimize laboratory workflows and processes.
• Participate actively in project teams and contribute to additional laboratory and team priorities as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, chemical biology, molecular biology, analytical science, food science, or a related field.
• Academic or industry laboratory experience in a Research and Development environment, with emphasis on biochemistry or analytical chemistry.
• Hands-on experience conducting laboratory experiments independently and following good laboratory practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to share scientific information clearly.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage tasks, procedures, documentation, and samples.
• Strong quantitative, computer, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• High attention to detail, safety, and quality in laboratory work.
• Ability to collaborate across diverse teams and stakeholders while also leading independent work.

Skills

• Working knowledge of western blotting, SDS-PAGE, ELISA, and Ouchterlony immunodiffusion assays.
• Experience with analytical instruments such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), ion chromatography (IC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), or circular dichroism (CD).
• Experience with assay development, enzyme kinetics, method execution, validation, troubleshooting, and workflow optimization.

Benefits

• Work at a biotechnology center of excellence with advanced Research and Development resources.
• Contribute to bio-based innovation that supports products and solutions used in everyday life.
• Join a collaborative, cross-functional team with exposure to scientific, engineering, regulatory, business, and legal stakeholders.
• Build technical expertise in bioanalytical methods, biochemistry, and quantitative enzyme activity assays.
• Learn from experts across biotechnology, protein engineering, synthetic biology, and analytical science.
• Make an impact by helping reduce key development bottlenecks and supporting the path from research to marketplace.
• Inclusive workplace that values diversity in ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, veteran status, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability.

Pay

Salary range: $60,473.00 – $86,390.00 USD