Kerry Internship Programme 2027 - Research, Development & Application (RDA)

Kerry; Naas; On-site; EUR 39,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry in Naas, Ireland, offers a paid internship in Food Science/Chemistry fields. The programme runs 6–9 months full-time on-site, starting January–March 2027, with a pro-rated annual salary of €29,500.

The role provides hands-on product development experience, project work, and opportunities to connect with peers and graduates across Kerry. Applicants should be studying a relevant science degree and be eager to learn, take ownership, and explore AI and new technologies in a supportive,

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a science-related degree (Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Nutrition, Microbiology, Bioscience, Bakery Technology) and on track for a 2:1 or equivalent.
• Strong attention to detail and curiosity about how a global business operates.

Responsibilities

• Support development of new products and improvement of existing ones through bench-scale and pilot-scale trials.
• Apply scientific principles to enhance taste, nutrition and functionality of products.
• Document experimental outcomes for scale-up and transfer to manufacturing.
• Assist with ingredient tracking and trial readiness for progression.
• Maintain lab samples and ensure shelf-life compliance.
• Keep the RD&A lab and equipment organised and ready for projects.
• Record work activity using tools such as Salesforce RD&A Tracker.
• Participate in team meetings and training to grow technical expertise.
• Follow Health & Safety protocols in labs and pilot plants.

Job description

• Start date Between January and March 2027
• Duration 6-9 months

Grow Your Future at Kerry

At Kerry, our purpose -

Key Internship Details

• Where Naas, Ireland
• Start date Between January and March 2027
• Duration 6-9 months
• Working model Full-time, on-site

Grow Your Future at Kerry

At Kerry, our purpose - Inspiring Food, Nourishing Life - comes to life through science, innovation and sustainable nutrition. From food and beverage to pharma, our teams use insight, technology and science-backed solutions to help solve real-world challenges for people, society and the planet. Our impact reaches billions, but it starts with curious people, fresh ideas and teams who care about making a difference. If you’re looking for a place to learn, contribute and build real experience with purpose, Kerry could be the place for you.

Our Internship Programme

Our internships give you a real introduction to Kerry – our people, our work and the impact we’re creating through sustainable nutrition. With opportunities across Ireland, the UK and Mainland Europe, you’ll have time to learn, contribute and get a feel for where your career could go next. Demonstrate your potential during your internship and your application for our Graduate Programme will be fast‑tracked.

What You’ll Work On

• Supporting the development of new products and the improvement of existing ones through bench-scale and pilot-scale trials.
• Applying scientific principles to help enhance product taste, nutrition and functionality.
• Documenting experimental outcomes to support scale-up and product transfer to manufacturing.
• Assisting with ingredient and formulation tracking to keep trials consistent and ready to progress.
• Maintaining retained samples and checking raw materials are within shelf-life.
• Keeping the RD&A lab and equipment organised, operational and ready for project work.
• Recording work and time activity using tools such as Salesforce RD&A Tracker.
• Taking part in team meetings, training and development activities that help build your technical expertise.
• Following Health & Safety protocols in labs, pilot plants and operational areas.

What We’re Looking For

• Studying Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Nutrition, Microbiology, Bioscience, Bakery Technology or a related science degree, and on track for a 21 degree classification.
• Curious about how a global business works, and open to learning from the people around you.
• Comfortable taking ownership of your work, while knowing when to ask questions or reach out for support.
• Eager to explore AI and new technologies, and keen to use them to work smarter, solve real challenges and make a meaningful impact.
• Confident using Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and Teams, and Copilot.
• Clear in how you communicate, whether you’re working with your team, sharing updates or managing priorities.

What’s in It for You

• Annual salary €29,500, pro-rated based on the duration of the internship.
• See the bigger picture real experience that helps you understand Kerry, our work in sustainable nutrition and how our people bring our purpose to life.
• Build your network opportunities to connect with other interns, graduates and colleagues across Kerry.
• Share your impact work on a project during your internship and present your contribution at the end of the programme.
• Keep growing make a strong impact during your internship, and your application for our Graduate Programme will be fast‑tracked.

Eligibility

• Applicants must have the right to work full-time in the Country they are applying for.