Process Development Chemist / Engineer

About the role

IFF is looking for a Process Development Chemist / Engineer for its Process R&D team in Kantvik, Finland. The role develops and scales processes for biomolecules, biomaterials and health-related products within IFF's global Health & Biosciences organisation. It is a highly hands-on, onsite position where you design, run and evaluate laboratory and pilot-scale experiments and collaborate with R&D, manufacturing and external partners, from early development through commercial implementation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and execute process development projects from laboratory concept through pilot-scale implementation and reporting
• Run hands-on laboratory and pilot plant experiments to develop and optimise chemical and biobased processes
• Analyse and interpret experimental results to support scale-up and commercialisation
• Collaborate with global project teams, manufacturing sites and external partners
• Plan and coordinate daily laboratory and pilot plant activities to meet project goals and timelines
• Support technology transfers, manufacturing start-ups, process troubleshooting and plant optimisation in Finland and internationally
• Produce pilot-scale samples for customer evaluation and internal development
• Mentor laboratory and pilot plant personnel and drive continuous improvement with a strong EHS culture

Required profile

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related field with strong organic chemistry expertise
• Several years of industrial experience in process development, chemical manufacturing, bioprocessing or pulp & paper
• Ability to mentor colleagues in organic chemistry methods and laboratory practice
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving and continuous learning mindset
• Excellent English communication and presentation skills
• Willingness to travel occasionally, mainly within Europe

Required skills

• Organic chemistry: synthesis, characterisation and functional modification of polymers and particulate materials
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint and SAP
• Preferred: polymer chemistry, cellulose modification, polysaccharides, hydrocolloids, polymerisation, data analysis, modelling, carbohydrate structural characterisation and linkage analysis

The position is permanent, with a preferred start as soon as possible. Applications are submitted exclusively through the company's Workday recruitment system by 11 October 2026.