Associate Scientist

About the position

The Associate Scientist position at IFF Nutrition & Biosciences in Madison, WI focuses on supporting process development for probiotics and cultures. The role emphasizes fermentation and analytical methods to improve process yields, product performance, and cost reduction. The selected candidate will engage in lab-scale development, troubleshooting, and data analysis, contributing to the manufacturing of food products and ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Support lab-scale development and implementation of cost-effective manufacturing conditions impacting fermentate titer, quality, yield, and applications performance.
• Perform routine laboratory tasks and experimental work, including media making, basic microbiology, fermentation setup, and analytical sample preparation.
• Execute analytical methods for various equipment, including HPLC and YSI, and gather and analyze data.
• Support analytical equipment through troubleshooting and coordination of preventative maintenance plans.
• Ensure accurate execution and implementation of lab work by designing experiments, conducting trials, analyzing results, and reporting findings.
• Perform statistical analysis on strain performance and communicate performance trends.
• Investigate product deviations and follow process data and product quality after industrialization.
• Evaluate and troubleshoot problems that may arise in improved processes.
• Support transfer of product across sites and new processes/products from Process R&D to production in collaboration with various teams.
• Serve as a technical resource to manufacturing facilities on product/process/quality issues and support continued product quality improvement.
• Participate in efforts to quickly resolve problems and maintain business operations.

Requirements

• Degree in chemistry, bioprocess, biotechnology, biochemistry, chemical/process engineering, or related degree with industry experience.
• Bachelor's degree + 3-5 years of experience; Master's preferred.
• Fundamental understanding of lactic acid and propionic bacteria physiology, separation technology, spray-drying, and microbial fermentations.
• Experience with various analytical equipment/methods, particularly HPLC.
• Strong communication (verbal and written), organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to independently design, carry out, and report results of scientific experiments.
• Familiarity with project management techniques and Six Sigma Greenbelt tools.
• Knowledge and experience with ERP systems, specifically SAP.