Technician, Process R&D

IFF•Palo Alto, CA

1d•$56,154 - $80,220•Onsite

About The Position

Are you ready to bring your technical and mechanical skills to fermentation research that can lead to meaningful, real-world solutions? IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products. Health & Biosciences: Channeling our passion for nature and bioscience into sustainable, life-enhancing technologies that power innovative solutions across healthcare, food, consumer and industrial markets. The role is on-site and based in Palo Alto, California and supports laboratory-based work. Be part of a collaborative, solution-oriented and detail-focused team where technicians, engineers and scientists work together to advance fermentation research and development. As a Process Research and Development Technician, you will support small-scale fermentation activities using standardized testing procedures and established laboratory equipment. You will perform routine testing, record results and help maintain safe, reliable and efficient laboratory operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or General Educational Development credential
Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and practical troubleshooting skills
Ability to follow written and verbal procedures accurately, with support readily available when needed
Ability to record test results clearly and identify when a procedure may need review or modification
Strong written and verbal communication skills and an ability to collaborate effectively with technicians, engineers and scientists
Basic computer skills and willingness to learn laboratory and process-control systems
Ability to safely lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
Ability to wear required laboratory personal protective equipment, including safety footwear, safety glasses and gloves
Availability to work the day shift from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the ability to adjust workflow as laboratory demands change

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in a scientific, engineering or technical field
At least two years of hands-on laboratory experience, particularly with biological systems, fermentation processes or aseptic techniques
Experience with computer-based process-control systems and a proactive approach to learning, collaboration and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Support research and development projects by monitoring microbial fermentations in small-scale, 14-liter laboratory vessels
Operate and maintain fermentation bioreactors while following established procedures and documentation requirements
Prepare media and complete routine laboratory setup activities to support fermentation operations
Perform tank cleaning, maintenance and basic troubleshooting using standardized procedures
Monitor processes for potential contamination and promptly document or escalate unusual observations
Carry out routine tests using assembled laboratory equipment and clearly defined testing methods
Complete prescribed calculations using established formulas, graphs, tables and procedures
Collect samples using straightforward sampling procedures and complete analytical processing as required
Contribute to continuous improvement activities focused on process safety, quality, service, efficiency and equipment reliability