2026 Europe Research& Development Graduate Programme

Kerry Group plc; Naas; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global food and nutrition company is seeking ambitious graduates for their RDA Graduate Program in Naas, Ireland. This structured program involves real-world challenges and rotational placements, focusing on innovation and collaboration. Recent graduates with a relevant degree and passion for sustainable nutrition are encouraged to apply. The role begins with hands-on projects, mentorship, and opportunities across Europe.

Qualifications

• On track for a 2.1 degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or similar.
• Fluent in English; ideally another language.
• Willing to travel and relocate within Europe.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with customers to understand needs and co-develop solutions.
• Design and execute trials for product development.
• Manage end-to-end project management in innovation pipelines.

Skills

Collaboration with customers

Product development

Scientific principles application

Project management

Research participation

Education

2.1 degree or equivalent in relevant fields

Job description

Overview

2026 Europe Research& Development Graduate Programme

RDA Graduate

You will be based in one of the following locations:

• Naas (Ireland)
• Mozzo (Italy)
• Portbury (UK)
• Leipzig (Germany)

Contract: full time; permanent

Join Kerry and Shape the Future of Sustainable Nutrition

At Kerry, we’re tackling one of humanity’s greatest challenges: delivering sustainable nutrition to over 2 billion people while protecting our planet. It’s a monumental task, and we need ambitious graduates bursting with innovative solutions to real-world problems. If you’re an agile, collaborative team player, we offer a career where you can make a real difference and help secure our future.

Do you have what it takes to deliver sustainable nutrition to over 2 billion people? Rise to the challenge with one of our Graduate Programs.

This permanent, full-time role begins with a structured 2-year programme that includes rotational placements across different teams and locations. From day one, you’ll be immersed in real-world challenges, supported by a global network of graduates, and empowered to make meaningful contributions. With structured learning, cross-functional exposure, and opportunities to relocate across Europe, the programme is designed to give you the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive in your career.

Our Research, Development & Application (RD&A) Program

Our global RD&A team of 1,000+ food scientists and local manufacturing facilities with a footprint in 31 countries enable us to co-create great tasting products, with improved nutrition and functionality, while ensuring better impact for the planet.

You’ll be at the front of Customer innovation helping our business and sustain growth. We innovate with a uniquely structured approach to designing products, services, and experiences that positively and profitably influence behaviour.

You’ll be supported and mentored every step of the way by experts, working on real projects that allow you to apply your learning and start your journey towards becoming a leading food technologist.

What you might be doing

As part of the RD&A Graduate Program, you’ll be immersed in real-world innovation projects that span the full product lifecycle—from concept to commercialization. Depending on the team you join, your responsibilities may include:

• Collaborating directly with customers to understand their needs and co-develop tailored solutions that deliver great taste, nutrition, and functionality.
• Designing and executing bench-scale and pilot-scale trials to develop new products or improve existing ones, ensuring alignment with customer declarations and commercial targets.
• Applying scientific principles to enhance product performance beyond taste—focusing on nutrition, sustainability, and functionality.
• Leading or contributing to end-to-end project management across applied research, technology development, and innovation pipelines.
• Exploring advanced research areas such as sensory science, flavour creation, fermentation, and nutritional science, with opportunities to pioneer new approaches.
• Participating in internal and external customer requests, supporting projects from early-stage concepting through to troubleshooting and scale-up.
• Ensuring technical documentation and formulation accuracy to support successful product development and manufacturing readiness.
• Engaging with cross-functional teams to ensure product solutions are viable across regional and global markets.
• Supporting customer visits and technical presentations, contributing to Kerry’s reputation for scientific excellence and customer partnership.
• Maintaining a strong understanding of Kerry’s ingredient portfolio and its application across diverse end-use markets including Food, Meat, Beverage, Supplements, and Pet Food.

Do you have what it takes?

• You’re on track for a 2.1 degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Data Science, Biology, Data Analysis or similar
• You’re ambitious, curious, and can’t wait to put your talents into action.
• You’re open minded, agile, and willing to embrace opportunities.
• You’re a recent or soon-to-be graduate.
• You’re fluent in English and ideally another language.
• You’re eligible to permanently work in the location you’re applying to*
• You’re open to traveling and relocating.
• * Kerry Graduates must have permanent Right to Work in Europe or UK (for UK based roles) and be willing to relocate to other European countries during the program.

Submit your application only for the program of your interest. Any multiple applications will be withdrawn.