Senior Scientist - Industrial Biotechnology & Fermentation Innovation (Biotechnology)

Location: Grasse, France; hybrid working

Company

hirify.global is a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, developing natural solutions and sustainable ingredients.

What you will do

• Develop microbial and fermentation-based approaches for natural flavor and fragrance ingredients.
• Translate sensory and product objectives into biotransformation and microbial production strategies.
• Identify and optimize microorganisms that produce high-value compounds from plant-based raw materials and agricultural by-products.
• Explore industrial biotechnology, fermentation science, biocatalysis, and biomass valorization technologies.
• Support analytical, biochemical, and sensory evaluation of fermentation-derived ingredients.
• Lead or contribute to scientific projects, technology scouting, proof-of-concept work, validation, and strategic partnerships.

Requirements

• PhD in Industrial Biotechnology, Microbiology, Fermentation Sciences, Food Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering, or a related scientific discipline; significant industrial biotechnology experience may be considered as an alternative.
• Strong expertise in microbial cultivation, fermentation processes, microbial metabolism, and biotransformation pathways.
• Experience valorizing plant-based feedstocks and natural raw materials.
• Fluent English required; French is a plus.
• Ability to communicate scientific findings through technical reports, presentations, publications, and project reviews.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of enzyme technologies, biocatalysis, or fermentation-derived ingredients.
• Experience with GC-MS, LC-MS, and volatile compound characterization.
• Understanding of process scale-up, technology transfer, and industrial development.
• Experience managing scientific collaborations, innovation projects, or external partnerships.
• Experience in flavor and fragrance, botanical ingredients, natural extracts, fermented foods, essential oils, or related natural product industries.
• Leadership potential, mentoring experience, and willingness to travel to partners, production sites, research centers, and industry events.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative, multidisciplinary, and international environment supporting curiosity, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
• Exposure to scientific experts, innovation partners, and research institutions.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Opportunity to contribute to sustainable natural ingredient solutions within a global taste, scent, and nutrition company.