Job Summary

Technology Scout, R&D



It’s an exciting time to be part of IFF’s R&D Team as the Technology Scout. The Technology Scout will accelerate science to market and significantly grow the Scent portfolio through technology advancement. This position requires a strong scientific background, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a strategic, forward-looking mindset. You will connect the business with science, provide strategic and technical assessment of new Scent feedstocks, technologies, ingredients and identify potential strategic partnership and acquisitions. While technical communication is key, negotiation skills and the ability to close deals are also important aspects of the position. The primary function is to identify, evaluate and manage these opportunities as a means to accelerate the innovation roadmap that supports our growth ambition.

Key Areas:  

Research: Research the latest developments in their industry or related fields, read industry publications, and connect with experts  Attend events: Attend technology conferences, university symposiums, and trade shows  Visit: Visit universities, research centers, start-ups, and medium-sized companies  Search: Use all modern search tools to stay abreast of new innovations and identify new opportunities.  Meet companies: Meet with companies to learn about their innovation pipeline.  Analyze: Use Technology Landscape Reports to analyze the tech horizon and identify potential breakthroughs  Align: Align potential breakthroughs with our organization's strategic goals Job Requirements

Responsibilities: 

Identify major industry topics in collaboration with corporate strategy and business unit leaders for investment consideration prioritized according to business and market impact Identify and quantify drivers of change in established and adjacent target markets including new regulations, technological disruption, value enablers Define technological solution sets to meet customer needs in current and future markets and in support of market strategy development and effectively communicate to key stakeholders on technology, trends, gaps, unmet customer needs, and program plans/status Build teams and work collaboratively with scientists, engineers, business leaders and strategy teams.  Determine the range of viability for emerging technologies, considering performance, cost, scalability, manufacturability, and profitability under different regulatory scenarios and in different markets. Define and execute projects to advance emerging technologies to market through research, validation, and laboratory and pilot testing Collaborate with external partners including suppliers, customers, universities, entrepreneurs, startups, agencies, and other water ecosystem partners to execute sponsored research, license technology, validate solutions, complete pilots, and build relationships that lead to commercial partnerships  Develop and manage relationships with network of universities globally, acting as IFF’s main point of contact and leader on when/how to engage with university partners for maximum impact Drive the incorporation of new innovations into IFF’s solutions portfolio through a strong understanding of customer needs, emerging technology, and regulatory developments Engage with stakeholders to define IFF’s position and deliver written reports that outline the technology landscape, drivers of market change, opportunities, risks, uncertainties, and technology recommendations Engage in thought leadership activities internally and externally including technical client/conference presentations, publishing white papers, participating on panels, and posting on social media 50% international travel will be required as needed*

Experience: 

Ph.D. degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field 10-15 years of relevant experience in the fragrance or related industry.  Experience working with university researchers and technology transfer offices Experience with IP / patent filing and/or review Strong business acumen and experience developing and executing strategy Effective communication across multiple levels of business and technical fluency ranging from university professors, customers, colleagues (technical and non-technical), management, to senior leadership. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative market research, including venture funding analyses, market maps, competitive analyses, SWOT analyses, or product deep dives Independent, self-directed research, including proposal generation and defense.  Lead the day-to-day execution of technology assessment efforts, including analysis comparing alternatives, characterization and quantification of performance, and comprehension and development of requirements based on mission needs Distill complex topics into core concepts understandable by a general audience Collaborate as part of a team environment  

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.

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