Principal Scientist I

IFF • New Century, KS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

IFF is seeking a senior Bakery Application Scientist to provide technical leadership in developing innovative bakery ingredient applications and customer-focused solutions from concept through commercialization. The role is based on-site five days per week in New Century, Kansas, and involves approximately 20%–40% travel, depending on business needs.

The scientist will develop bakery applications using enzyme systems, hydrocolloids, emulsifiers, proteins, texturants, and inclusions. The role supports customer-driven and market-driven projects from bench-top development through pilot plant and commercial-scale production, while working with Operations to optimize formulations, processes, and manufacturing performance. The scientist will collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Product Line Management, and Business Development to support growth and profitability; create concepts, applications, prototypes, and demonstrations; and provide technical expertise in ingredient functionality, product development, product improvement, and cost optimization.

The position also involves translating ingredient science into application, sensory, and technology solutions; delivering technical presentations, demonstrations, and training; writing technical reports and project documentation; monitoring industry trends and innovation opportunities; and supporting safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives.

IFF describes its Food Ingredients business as focused on improved nutritional profiles, taste and texture, and cost efficiency for global food and beverage manufacturers. The company has announced its intention to sell the Food Ingredients Business to CVC Capital Partners. The sale is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions; the business will remain part of IFF until closing and then transition to CVC Capital Partners. Applicants are advised that this position is part of that business unit and has been identified to transition.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Bakery Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in R&D, Product Development, Technical Service, or Applications Development within the bakery industry.
• Strong technical expertise in bakery systems, ingredient functionality, and product development.
• Experience scaling products from laboratory development through commercial manufacturing.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to all organizational levels and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work successfully in laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Food Science or a related discipline.
• Customer-facing applications, technical service, or commercial experience.
• Experience working cross-functionally with commercial and operations teams.
• Strong understanding of emerging bakery trends and ingredient innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of innovative bakery applications using enzyme systems, hydrocolloids, emulsifiers, proteins, texturants, and inclusions.
• Develop technical solutions for customer-driven and market-driven bakery projects from bench-top through pilot plant and commercial-scale production.
• Work with Operations to optimize formulations, processes, and manufacturing performance for new and existing products.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Product Line Management, and Business Development to drive growth and profitability.
• Develop concepts, applications, prototypes, and demonstrations for customers and internal stakeholders.
• Provide technical expertise in ingredient functionality, product development, product improvement, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Translate emerging ingredient science into application, sensory, and technology solutions.
• Deliver technical presentations, demonstrations, and training to customers and internal teams.
• Write comprehensive technical reports and project documentation.
• Monitor food and beverage industry trends and assess opportunities for innovation.
• Support safety and quality initiatives while promoting continuous improvement.
• Travel approximately 20%–40%, depending on business needs.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and annual incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k).
• Vacation and holidays.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave (maternity/paternity).
• Annual bonus plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal