Process Technician - Fermentation

Job Summary

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.

IFF in Palo Alto, CA is seeking a Process Technician - Fermentation (Technician II, Process R&D) to join our R&D team!

Located at the Genencor Technology Center in the Stanford Research Park, IFF is a leader in industrial biotechnology, developing innovative enzymes and bioproducts that improve performance and reduce environmental impact across industries such as cleaning, textiles, animal nutrition, grain processing, and chemicals.

This is a full-time, onsite role supporting small-scale fermentation operations in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Be part of a highly driven and hands-on team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

• Operate and maintain small-scale fermentation bioreactors (e.g., DasGip, Sartorius, Ambr250)
• Monitor microbial fermentation processes and ensure accurate documentation
• Prepare media, maintain tanks, troubleshoot issues, and monitor contamination
• Support analytical processing and lab supply management
• Contribute to continuous improvement in safety, quality, efficiency, and reliability
• Collaborate with technicians, engineers, and scientists to support R&D project goals
• Follow lab safety protocols and wear appropriate PPE
• Work a set day shift (6:00 AM - 2:00 PM) with flexibility for overtime

• High school diploma or GED required
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Experience with biological systems and aseptic techniques (preferred)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Basic computer skills; experience with process control systems is a plus
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and wear general lab PPE
• Team player with a proactive and safety-conscious mindset
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment

• A.A./B.S. in a scientific or technical field
• 2+ years of hands-on lab experience
• Experience in fermentation or bioprocessing environments

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance - Including a generous company contribution to a Health Savings Account

• Prescription Drug Coverage, Dental, and Vision Insurance. We also offer Life and even Pet Insurance
• Legal Assistance
• Short-term and Long-Term Disability Protection
• Paid Parental Leave - 16 Weeks
• 401k - 6% company match
• 3 weeks of vacation to start (prorated in the first year)
• 12 company-paid holidays and 1 company-paid floating holiday, annually
• Wellness Program - Earn credits to receive a total of $500 Premium Differential per year
• On-site employee gym
• A daily credit towards onsite lunch delivery service
• Career Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Shift Premiums
• Company-sponsored holiday party, seasonal events, and offsite teambuilding

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more