Lab Leader, Grain Processing

Are you passionate about innovation that transforms everyday products into extraordinary experiences?

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 based out of our Cedar Rapids, Iowa location. Be part of a creative, agile team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

• Lead and develop a high‑performing regional application team, ensuring consistent, high‑quality technical output that meets customer needs.
• Partner with the Global Application Leader and Regional Industry Leader to create, refine, and execute the regional application development strategy aligned with global objectives.
• Coordinate regional application activities in close collaboration with industry, sales, and technical service teams to ensure integrated execution.
• Identify and champion new application competencies needed to support short‑term and long‑term Grain Processing business goals.
• Serve as a Senior Scientist, leading and participating in laboratory and plant work, including formulation, application characterization, trials, and product launch activities.
• Ensure effective and timely project execution by applying project management best practices and frameworks.
• Expand and deepen regional knowledge of customer applications across all Grain Processing segments to drive sustainable innovation.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and customers to translate needs into technical development objectives.
• Maintain clear global connectivity and transparency regarding regional application output and its business impact.

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant technical or scientific discipline with substantial experience in an application or laboratory environment.
• 5+ years of experience in grain processing or the enzyme industry.
• Proven success in developing products for industrial enzyme customers.
• Strong background in designing and executing laboratory application development and testing programs.
• Ability to identify existing and future customer needs and industry trends.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, with strong coaching and motivational abilities.
• Effective working style within cross‑functional and collaborative team environments.
• Self‑motivated with strong time‑management skills and the ability to work independently.
• Experience managing change or leading continuous improvement initiatives.

• Previous supervision or people‑management experience.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build trust and influence across teams.
• Ability to constructively challenge assumptions and encourage innovative thinking.

• Opportunity to lead impactful application innovation within a global Grain Processing organization.
• Collaborative and inclusive workplace culture focused on scientific excellence.
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
• Exposure to global teams, insights, and projects.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Travel opportunities (approximately 30%) to customer and plant sites.