Specialist, Applications (Bakery)

IFF • New Century, KS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about baking science and ready to take your hands-on skills to the next level? IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences, delivering sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products. Our Food Ingredients Business Unit develops solutions that improve nutritional profiles, taste, texture, and efficiency for food manufacturers worldwide. This role is based on-site at our New Century, KS laboratory . Join a collaborative, resilient, solution‑oriented team where your curiosity and ideas make a meaningful impact. Your potential is our inspiration. Where You’ll Make a Difference Perform bakery bench and pilot‑scale tests using baking science principles to support application projects. Prepare, bake, and evaluate formulations to assess ingredient performance in various bakery products. Support the Applications team by executing technical activities under supervision, ensuring consistent and reliable laboratory output. Document test methods, observations, and results clearly for internal use and technical reports. Assist in maintaining ingredient libraries, lab organization, and equipment functionality. Apply IFF safety, quality, and environmental procedures in all laboratory activities. Collaborate cross-functionally with colleagues in Applications, QC, Production, and other functions as needed. Actively participate in idea sharing for process improvements and innovative approaches. Contribute to a positive and supportive team environment with a proactive and resilient mindset.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of experience in bakery—academic, internship, or industry backgrounds all welcome.
• Degree in Food Science, Bakery Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with baking processes, formulations, or ingredient functionality.
• Ability to run structured tests, follow procedures, and record data with accuracy.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) to articulate findings clearly.
• Openness to learning, curiosity about ingredient performance, and eagerness to grow in applications work.
• Team-oriented approach with a positive attitude and adaptability.
• Comfortable suggesting ideas and offering solutions in a collaborative environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with enzymes, emulsifiers, hydrocolloids, or other functional bakery ingredients.
• Prior work in a pilot plant, test bakery, or food applications laboratory.
• Demonstrated creativity, initiative, and continuous-improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Perform bakery bench and pilot‑scale tests using baking science principles to support application projects.
• Prepare, bake, and evaluate formulations to assess ingredient performance in various bakery products.
• Support the Applications team by executing technical activities under supervision, ensuring consistent and reliable laboratory output.
• Document test methods, observations, and results clearly for internal use and technical reports.
• Assist in maintaining ingredient libraries, lab organization, and equipment functionality.
• Apply IFF safety, quality, and environmental procedures in all laboratory activities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with colleagues in Applications, QC, Production, and other functions as needed.
• Actively participate in idea sharing for process improvements and innovative approaches.
• Contribute to a positive and supportive team environment with a proactive and resilient mindset.

Benefits

• Access to state‑of‑the‑art bakery application facilities and technical expertise.
• Professional development and learning opportunities across the Food Ingredients BU.
• A diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment where you can bring your authentic self to work.
• Exposure to real-world customer challenges and cutting‑edge ingredient innovation.
• Opportunity to grow within a global leader shaping the future of food.
• Competitive compensation and benefits aligned with IFF’s global standards.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level