R&D Scientist — Formulation & Materials Validation

Kerry; Victoria de Durango; On-site; MXN 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry is seeking an RD&A Scientist for the Category Technologies group at its San Juan del Río site. The role blends hands-on laboratory work with technical analysis and requires collaboration with global RD&A teams to validate alternative materials for product optimization.

This mid-level position emphasizes execution, problem-solving, and timely decision-making in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Occasional onsite plant work is required to support hands-on testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Food Engineering, or related field.
• Mid-level (Pleno) experience in RD&A, applications lab, or technical validation roles.
• Strong ability to work independently, make technical decisions, and execute with urgency.
• Experience with raw materials, ingredients, or food systems (dairy & meat experience a plus).
• English at intermediate to advanced level, able to participate in global meetings and understand technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Execute technical validations of alternative raw materials for existing formulations (one-to-one substitutions).
• Perform laboratory applications, including weighing, trials, sensory evaluations, pilot and selected industrial tests.
• Analyze and document technical data, specifications, and comparisons provided by global RD teams.
• Manage technical information and results in matrices and reports to support internal decision-making.
• Provide internal technical support to RD&A and cross-functional partners.
• Contribute to cost optimization initiatives by proposing technical alternatives and material savings.
• Work in a hybrid role combining lab execution and technical/documental analysis.
• This role is 100% internal and does not involve direct customer interaction.

Skills

Independent work

Technical decision-making

Lab execution

English proficiency

Education

BSc in Food Science / Chemistry / Food Engineering

Job description

Kerry is seeking an RD&A Scientist for the Category Technologies group at its San Juan del Río site. The role blends hands-on laboratory work with technical analysis and requires collaboration with global RD&A teams to validate alternative materials for product optimization.

This mid-level position emphasizes execution, problem-solving, and timely decision-making in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Occasional onsite plant work is required to support hands-on testing.