Team Lead - Fermentation Lab

Job Summary

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.

About the role

You will join a collaborative, safety-focused, hands-on team where technical expertise and operational excellence are highly valued. The role is based in Palo Alto, CA (on-site).

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily fermentation laboratory operations, spending the majority of time supporting and executing work on the lab floor
• Actively participate in hands-on fermentation activities, including setup, monitoring, sampling, and troubleshooting
• Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of fermentation processes and experiments
• Provide day-to-day guidance and support to fermentation technicians during lab activities
• Manage administrative responsibilities, including employee management, scheduling, and performance support
• Oversee equipment readiness, usage, and coordination of maintenance within the fermentation lab
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and documentation standards
• Partner with scientists and cross-functional teams to support development, optimization, and scale-up efforts

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related field
• Strong hands-on experience with fermentation or bioprocess laboratory operations
• Solid understanding of fermentation workflows, equipment, and laboratory best practices
• Experience working in lab environments with a strong focus on safety and quality
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams

Qualifications

• Previous experience leading, mentoring, or coordinating laboratory technicians
• Exposure to pilot-scale or industrial fermentation environments
• Flexibility in working hours to support laboratory and operational needs when required

Skills

• Hands-on experience with fermentation or bioprocess laboratory operations
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to balance technical work with administrative responsibilities
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment

Benefits

• Opportunity to remain deeply hands-on while developing leadership capabilities
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Exposure to innovative fermentation technologies and projects
• Professional development and learning opportunities
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability

Pay

Salary Ranges: $74872- $93590