Microbiology Co-op

Job Summary

The Microbiology Co-op will support microbiome research through laboratory studies, sample processing, and data collection. Working alongside scientists, the co-op will help advance probiotic, prebiotic, postbiotic, and enzyme research programs.

We are currently seeking outstanding candidates for 2026-2027 Co-op position (full-time/up to 12 months) in our R&D Center in Wilmington, DE. This position provides a motivated student with an opportunity to work in our labs and learn new skills in the context of microbiology and immunology research. This will be a predominantly lab-based role with a focus that may include in vitro assays, processing microbial or animal-based samples, based on microbiological and genomic laboratory procedures.

Responsibilities:

A successful candidate will be expected to:

• Support our microbiome research portfolio encompassing human and animal probiotics, postbiotics, prebiotics, and enzyme products.
• Work with R&D team members to design, troubleshoot, and execute in-vitro and in-vivo experiments to explore the impact of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics on nutrition and health.
• Accurately record data in a timely manner.

Qualifications:

• This is a Co-op position (up to 12 months) and requires the ideal candidate to be enrolled in a program that supports Intern or Co-op opportunities.
• A Co‐op typically represents a college student seeking to gain related work experience while pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.
• A student pursuing a bachelor's or graduate degree in the Biological Sciences (microbiology, cell & molecular biology), Biotechnology, mucosal immunology or a related field.
• The ideal candidate will have completed their second year of undergraduate education and will continue their education after the Co-op concludes.
• Can work in an interdisciplinary scientific setting.
• High level of initiative and the ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to document results, analyze data, draw conclusions, and communicate findings.
• Maintain a hands-on-mentality and a strong affinity for lab work.

Preferred:

• Experience with basic laboratory instrumentation including analytical balance, centrifuge, and plate reader is preferred.
• Experiences with common microbiology techniques including aseptic and culturing techniques, and strain isolation.
• Experience with common molecular techniques including DNA isolation and PCR.
• Knowledge of or experience with biological models (mammalian cell culture, C. elegans or other).
• Knowledge of or experience with bioassays, culture-based or microbial assays, immunoassays, or molecular/biochemical assays.

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