Application scientist, Research Scientist

Job Summary

Are you ready to support breweries and distilleries across Africa with innovative enzyme solutions that drive performance and customer success? At IFF, we boldly bring together science and creativity to create what the world needs. As industry leader in food, beverage, health, biosciences and sensorial experiences, we create essential solutions – from global icons to unexpected innovations and experiences. This role is part of the Global Applications team for Brewing, Beverages and Culinary integrated in our Food Bioscience business unit.

As Application Scientist you’ll focus on delivering customer‑facing application support and in‑depth technical expertise across Africa. The position is currently based in Cape Town, South Africa, however other locations across Africa can be considered. Be part of a creative, customer‑oriented team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact.

• Act as a trusted technical partner to breweries and distilleries across Africa.
• Provide high‑level technical support to customers to ensure shared success.
• Identify new opportunities at existing and potential customers through innovative thinking.

• Support new product launches through commercialization, including customer dialogue, trial preparation, monitoring success criteria and technical reporting.
• Drive application trials at customer sites and pilot facilities to optimize, validate and document enzyme solution performance.
• Collaborate with the brewing laboratories and internal corporate functions to drive product optimisation and application innovation.

• Implement brewing and distilling enzyme solutions in close collaboration with regional Sales, Product Management and the global Food & Beverage Enzyme Team.
• Support and drive technical projects with global key account leaders in Brewing and Distilling.

• Actively visit customers and build a strong professional network across the African brewing industry.
• Approximately 40% travel, primarily across Africa, to support customers, application trials and business development activities.

• Master’s degree in Brewing Science, Food Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related scientific field.
• 3–6 years of relevant professional experience with the ability to handle most situations independently and advise others.
• Strong knowledge of the Brewing and Distilling industry.
• Experience solving ad‑hoc technical issues at customer sites to protect and grow existing business.
• Solid planning and organising skills to manage trials, projects and reporting activities.
• Data analysis skills to evaluate trial results and solution performance.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and build strong, trust‑based relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.

• Curious and dynamic approach to customer‑facing technical roles.
• Work hand‑in‑hand with regional colleagues and management.
• Ability to influence and engage customers through compelling technical storytelling and presentations.
• Innovative, solution‑oriented mindset when identifying opportunities and addressing complex challenges.
• Proven ability to build long‑term partnerships across diverse cultural and business environments.
• Speaking French or Portuguese is a bonus.

• High‑impact role supporting breweries and distilleries across Africa.
• Opportunity to work on product launches and commercialization initiatives.
• Collaboration with a global, experienced brewing team and opportunity to collaborate with universities and partners to catalyse the future of brewing.
• Exposure to international projects with global key account leaders.
• Scope to contribute directly to product optimisation and application innovation.
• Competitive annual salary within a defined range.

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 ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each colleague to bring their authentic self to work regardless of religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation or disability.

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