Intern

Intern – Fibers from Starch Research

Job Description

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 in the Netherlands (onsite role). Be part of a curious, collaborative, and innovative team where together we explore new possibilities in carbohydrate science and nutrition. Your potential is our inspiration.

Where You'll Make a Difference

• Design and execute enzymatic reactions using glucosyl transferases and starch hydrolysates (maltodextrins).
• Investigate the formation of slowly digestible and indigestible fiber-like carbohydrate structures.
• Evaluate the activity and specificity of individual enzymes and enzyme combinations.
• Analyze reaction products using laboratory analytical techniques and interpret experimental results.
• Characterize carbohydrate structures and assess their potential nutritional functionality.
• Explore possible synergistic effects between different glucosyl transferases and related enzymes.
• Document experimental findings, maintain accurate laboratory records, and present results to project stakeholders.
• Contribute ideas for experimental design and help shape the direction of this discovery-driven research project.

What Makes You the Right Fit

• Currently pursuing a Higher Laboratory Education (HLO) degree in Biotechnology, Food Technology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• Available full-time (5 days per week) for a 9–10 month internship.
• Strong interest in enzymology, carbohydrate chemistry, food science, or biotechnology.
• Comfortable working in a laboratory environment and following scientific protocols.
• Basic understanding of biochemical or microbiological laboratory techniques.
• Analytical mindset with an interest in experimental design and data interpretation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Accurate, organized, and capable of managing multiple experiments simultaneously.

How Would You Stand Out?

• Experience with chromatography or carbohydrate analysis techniques.
• Previous exposure to enzyme technology or starch chemistry through coursework or projects.
• Curious, proactive, and eager to explore scientific questions with no predefined answers.

Why Choose Us?

• Hands-on experience within a global leader in Health & Biosciences.
• Opportunity to contribute to research with real-world applications in nutrition and health.
• Mentorship from experienced scientists in enzymology and carbohydrate chemistry.
• Exposure to cutting-edge research focused on sustainable and functional food ingredients.
• A supportive, collaborative, and learning-focused team environment.
• The opportunity to develop both technical laboratory skills and scientific problem-solving capabilities.

This discovery-driven project offers significant room for creativity, learning, and scientific exploration. Together, we will investigate how nature-inspired enzymatic solutions can help create the next generation of dietary fibers and healthier food ingredients.

As an IFF intern, you'll have the opportunity to work on meaningful research while gaining valuable industry experience in an innovative and globally connected organization.

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