Research Associate

IFF•Wilmington, DE

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you ready to apply cutting-edge molecular biology to engineer innovative bio-based solutions that make a real impact? At IFF, we go beyond traditional boundaries, combining science and creativity to build a more sustainable future. Together, we act as catalysts for positive change. IFF is a global leader in biotechnology, delivering sustainable innovations across food, beverage, health, and biosciences. Our Health & Biosciences business applies expert science to develop bio-based solutions that support a growing global population while protecting our environment. This role is based in Wilmington, DE, USA (on-site). You will join an experienced, collaborative, and innovation-driven team focused on host engineering, strain development, and molecular biology-driven product innovation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or related field
Strong foundation in molecular biology and microbial physiology
Hands-on laboratory experience with genetic manipulation and strain engineering
Ability to work effectively across interdisciplinary teams, including R&D, Quality Analytics, and Quality Control
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate scientific insights clearly
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic R&D environment
High attention to detail and commitment to high-quality data generation
Curiosity and passion for scientific innovation

Nice To Haves

Experience in industrial biotechnology or applied microbiology environments
Familiarity with scaling microbial processes or product development pipelines
Exposure to quality systems, regulatory environments, or QA/QC collaboration

Responsibilities

Design and execute laboratory experiments using advanced molecular biology techniques
Engineer and construct microbial cell factories to support product innovation
Contribute to strain development and optimization using modern genetic and cellular engineering tools
Analyze and interpret biological data to improve performance in industrial applications
Act as a key interface between Research & Development (R&D) and Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) teams
Collaborate cross-functionally to translate research insights into scalable solutions
Maintain high standards of scientific rigor, reproducibility, and data integrity
Document and communicate experimental findings through reports and presentations