Laboratory Support technician

Overview

Are you ready to kickstart your laboratory career and support innovative biotechnology research in an international R&D environment? IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. The role is based in Leiden, Netherlands (onsite role). You will join an R&D organization of approximately 45 scientists representing more than 15 nationalities, working on cutting-edge biotechnology solutions by designing microbial cell factories and developing engineered enzymes for applications in food & beverages, home & personal care, animal nutrition, and more.

This position is ideal for candidates who recently completed — or are close to completing — their MLO (Middelbaar Laboratorium Onderwijs) education and are eager to gain hands-on experience in a professional R&D laboratory environment.

• Support daily laboratory operations to maintain a clean, safe, and organized workplace
• Perform cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization of laboratory equipment, glassware, and work areas
• Ensure the safe disposal of biological and chemical waste according to safety procedures and standard operating procedures
• Monitor laboratory inventory levels and manage consumables using inventory management systems
• Support ordering activities for laboratory supplies and materials
• Prepare buffers, media, and reagents required for laboratory experiments
• Receive, sort, and document incoming samples and deliveries according to laboratory protocols
• Support preparation and coordination of domestic and international sample shipments

• Completed or nearly completed MLO (Middelbaar Laboratorium Onderwijs) or comparable laboratory education
• Interest in biotechnology, microbiology, or laboratory support activities
• Basic hands-on laboratory skills gained through education, internships, or practical training
• Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment such as pipettes, balances, centrifuges, or autoclaves
• Understanding of laboratory safety procedures and accurate way of working
• Good organizational and teamwork skills
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications
• Intermediate written and spoken English skills
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and motivated mindset

• Internship or practical experience in an R&D or biotechnology laboratory
• Experience working in ML1 or ML2 laboratory environments
• Familiarity with inventory management or laboratory support processes

• Opportunity to start your career within a global biotechnology organization
• Hands-on experience in a professional international R&D environment
• Learning and development opportunities from experienced scientists and laboratory professionals
• Collaborative and inclusive workplace culture
• Exposure to innovative technologies and sustainable bioscience solutions
• Opportunity to contribute to research that impacts everyday products worldwide
• We value an inclusive, creative workplace where all individuals can thrive and do their best work

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 of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

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At IFF, we make joy through science, creativity and heart. As the global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health and biosciences, we deliver groundbreaking, sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products – advancing wellness, delighting the senses and enhancing the human experience. We consider all qualified candidates equally and based on merit, without regard to religion, ethnicity, national origin, race, age, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability.