Senior Lead Scientist

Job Summary

Ready to lead the future of sensory science at IFF?

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products. Harnessing the full emotional power of scent, driven by pioneering creativity, science, consumer expertise and a mindful approach to fragrance design.

The role is based in Union Beach, New Jersey (onsite role, four days per week). Be part of a forward‑thinking, collaborative, science‑driven team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.

Where You’ll Make a Difference

• Provide leadership to a team of sensory scientists, leveraging strong scientific expertise and 7+ years of team leadership experience in academia and/or industry, ideally within fragrance.
• Guide the R&D sensory team to deliver high‑impact insights that drive innovation and product success.
• Engage with cross-functional R&D and business stakeholders to ensure alignment and drive collaborative outcomes.
• Implement, manage, and optimize project workflows for cross-functional initiatives.
• Apply and further develop state‑of‑the‑art sensory methodologies and experimental approaches.
• Oversee data analytics to support and accelerate strategic business priorities.
• Manage direct reports, ensuring clear communication, prioritization, and resource allocation.
• Ensure adherence to ethical standards for human subjects research.
• Represent the research organization internally and externally as a scientific leader.

What Makes You the Right Fit

• Master’s degree in Sensory Science (PhD strongly preferred).
• 7+ years of sensory research leadership experience in academia and/or consumer goods; strong preference for fragrance experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop a high-performing sensory research team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong capability to work independently within broad technical areas while aligning strategic priorities.
• Deep understanding of sensory methodologies (discriminative, descriptive, panel training, performance evaluation), experimental design, controlled environment requirements, and data analytics.
• Proven track record applying analytical skills within perceptual research contexts.
• Preferred: experience in consumer research.

How Would You Stand Out?

• Strong leadership presence with a clear vision for shaping the future of fragrance sensory science.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to apply knowledge creatively to solve problems.
• Advanced competency in data science or advanced statistics, with experience in at least one of: Power BI, Python, R, SQL or MATLAB.
• Experience in data management.
• Additional experience in the fragrance industry.

Why Choose Us?

• A creative, collaborative environment that encourages innovation and personal growth.
• Opportunities to learn, develop, and expand your expertise across regions and categories.
• Exposure to global clients and participation in worldwide initiatives.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including performance incentives.
• A culture that fosters curiosity, diversity, and continuous improvement.
• The chance to influence the future of sensory and fragrance innovation at scale.

 

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

Salary Ranges:

$146048- $182560