Job Requirements

About Us
At IFF we use Uncommon Sense to create what the world needs. As a collective of unconventional thinkers and creators, we put science and artistry to work to create unique and unexpected scents, tastes, experiences, and ingredients for the products our world craves.


This position is within the Sensory & Consumer Research group, part of R&D Enabling Technologies division at IFF. We are a vibrant research group working with many branches of the business providing guidance and support in the development of flavors, fragrances and delivery technologies through sensory science.

We a looking for a Sensory Science Sr. Research Investigator to join our team in the Union Beach, NJ, facility. You will consult, design, and manage appropriate sensory tests to enhance product knowledge and report findings in context of project objectives/business goals.
Your responsibilities will include 1) work with R&D researchers and the Scent Business Unit to design and execute broad set of studies using sensory and behavioral measures, 2) Conduct data analysis and interpret findings to derive key insights, 3) work with fellow sensory scientist to enhance / develop new sensory capabilities, 4) collaborate with the global fragrance sensory teams to maintain standardization of sensory methods globally.

This position is accountable for ensuring standards of quality that meet or exceed customer expectations by adhering to strict testing protocols that have been validated for accuracy & reliability. Moreover, the Sr. Research Investigator ensures compliance with IFF safety and security policies and manages relationships with other Scientists within and outside of IFF, including groups at customers and external research collaborators. There may be some travel in this position.

About You: To be successful in this role you must have at least seven years of proven track record of conducting research in the chemical senses and/or behaviors sciences. Work experience in related industry a plus. MS degree, or higher, in behavioral or biological sciences is required.

Typical responsibilities of a Sensory Science Sr. Research Investigator include:

• Design and conduct sensory studies to meet specific project objectives.
• Develop new methods to advance R&D capabilities.
• Apply Scientific Method to provide solutions.
• Participate in development of work-plans for conducting studies.
• Analyze all technical aspects of projects and recommend methods and techniques to be used and principles to be applied.
• Troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• Perform analysis and interpret test results; form conclusions on studies conducted.
• Write study reports.
• Prepare and present technical papers and presentations for internal customers/contacts.
• Remain current with relevant scientific literature.
• Adhere to all safety and quality requirements; enhance site safety.
  

Job Description

• An MS or a PhD (preferred) in Behavioral/Biological Sciences or related field (e.g., Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience, Food Science) is required.
• Minimum 7 years of proven track record of conducting research in the chemical senses and/or behaviors sciences.
• Experience of working independently within a broadly defined technical area and manage assigned project activities.
• To be successful in this role you must have a solid research background with strong experimental design and data analysis skills.

Preferred:

• industry experience.
• experience of working in olfaction.

Personal attributes:

• Strong communication skills: Presents information/ideas to individuals or groups in an articulate, straightforward, and organized way.
• Conceptual capacity/flexibility – Quickly grasps different concepts.
• Curious, knowledgably, and creative mindset and is seen as someone who applies knowledge creatively and intelligently to the solution of problems.
• Experience in managing technical staff.

Required Skills:

• Excellent statistical data analysis skills.
• Strong written and presentation communication skills; Must be able to effectively communicate findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences as well as senior leaders.
• Strong Team Player with influencing skills.
• Flexibility in a fast-paced environment; must be able to manage multiple projects.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with JMP and Compusense.
• Knowledge/experience with data science tools and methods.