Research and Development Food Scientist

Kinisla Group; Charleville; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Matched pension scheme up to 10%

Benefits platform discounts & cashback

Employee Assistance Policy

Job summary

Kinisla is seeking a technically strong R&D Scientist to join the Dairy & Nutritional Ingredients R&D team at the Charleville site. You will lead fundamental development, optimization and scale-up of innovative dairy and nutritional ingredients, with focus on membrane filtration technologies and pilot-scale to manufacturing transfers.

Ideal candidates will have 3–5 years in industrial R&D, strong chemistry knowledge and ability to work independently within a multi-disciplinary environment,

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field is required.
• 3–5 years of industrial R&D experience in dairy/functional ingredients is expected.
• Experience in ingredient development and commercialization is essential.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, dairy chemistry, proteins, carbohydrates and ingredient functionality is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop new dairy and nutritional ingredients and oversee design of lab, pilot-scale and manufacturing trials.
• Provide technical leadership in membrane filtration and separation technologies.
• Support technology transfer from lab to pilot scale and commercial manufacture.
• Manage innovation projects from concept to pilot scale in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications and stakeholder presentations.
• Monitor industry trends and identify opportunities for new ingredients.

Skills

Food chemistry

Dairy science

Ingredient development

Analytical skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in Food Science or related

Tools

Optiva

PLM systems

Chromatography

Membrane filtration equipment

Job description

About the Role:

This role will be based at our Charleville site and will report to the R&D Ingredients Lead. We are seeking an ambitious and technically strong R&D Scientist to join our Dairy & Nutritional Ingredients R&D team. This position will focus on the fundamental development, optimization and scale-up of innovative dairy and nutritional ingredients. The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in food chemistry, ingredient functionality, dairy processing and membrane filtration technologies including MF, UF, NF, RO and diafiltration. Dynamic, self-driven and capable of working on your own initiative is a key attribute for this role. Ability to function as part of a multi-disciplinary team (sales, business development, long term R&D, operations, supply chain, quality, regulatory and customers) is also important.

What will I be doing?

• Develop new dairy and nutritional ingredients.
• Design and execute laboratory, pilot-scale and manufacturing trials.
• Provide technical leadership in membrane filtration and separation technologies.
• Support technology transfer from laboratory to pilot scale and commercial manufacture.
• Manage innovation projects from concept through to pilot scale.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial and Supply Chain teams.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications and stakeholder presentations.
• Monitor industry trends, consumer insights, and emerging technologies to identify innovation opportunities.

What do I need to be successful?

At Kinisla, we understand that people have very different career trajectories and experiences. In order to be successful in this role we would be looking for the right competencies and aptitudes as well as your proven track record of success in a similar role and environment.

These include:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• 3-5 years of industrial R&D experience.
• Demonstrated experience in ingredient development and commercialization.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, dairy chemistry, proteins, carbohydrates and ingredient functionality.
• Deep understanding of key dairy unit operations and process scale-up.
• Excellent analytical, project management and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Project management and organisational skills
• Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.
• Strong Innovation mindset.

Technical Expertise Required:

• Membrane filtration technologies including MF, UF, NF, RO and Diafiltration.
• Dairy processing operations and process optimisation.
• Ingredient functionality.
• Protein, lipid and carbohydrate fractionation.
• Experimental design.
• Pilot plant and manufacturing trial execution.
• Competence in key analytical methods (e.g., chromatography).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with nutritional and functional ingredient development.
• Knowledge of physicochemical properties of dairy proteins.
• Competency in Optiva and other formulation, recipe management, specification management and PLM systems.
• Knowledge of process modelling, data analysis and process optimisation.
• Track record of successful commercialization of innovative ingredient solutions.

Personal Attributes:

• Scientifically curious and innovation focused.
• Capable of translating scientific understanding into commercial opportunities.
• Self-motivated individual with strong attention to detail.
• Strong communicator who can work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What will I get in return?

At Kinisla, we believe in giving talented, curious people the opportunity to make a difference. We work as a team, searching for the best ways to inspire and lead the evolution of dairy food and nutrition. We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

We also offer:

• 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays).
• Matched pension scheme up to 10% Employer Contribution.
• Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.
• Employee Assistance Policy.

About Kinisla

Kinisla is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.

With over 50 years’ experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology advancement, and product innovation, we are a key stakeholder in the global food industry and creators of a strong portfolio of market leading dairy brands including Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and our new SMUG range. Our from food, for food culture and deep-rooted connection to our 2,800 milk suppliers differentiates our business and offers captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers.

Our dairy comes from some of the world’s richest grazing land and is produced by a network of Irish family farms that have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and sustainability, Kinisla is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities.

Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. Additionally, we manage 28 Farm & Home stores throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and service. In Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, our presence extends to key locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett.

Globally, Kinisla employs over 1,700 dedicated professionals across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.

At Kinisla, we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.

Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit. We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kinisla and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.