RD&A Scientist

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

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

At Kerry, we are looking for a RD&A Scientist to join our Category Technologies team in San Juan del Río. This role will be part of a global project, working closely with internal RD&A teams to validate alternative materials and support ongoing product optimization initiatives.

This is a hands-on, mid-level position with strong exposure to laboratory work and technical analysis, ideal for someone who enjoys execution, problem-solving, and working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key 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.

Qualifications and skills

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 is a plus).

English at intermediate to advanced level, able to participate in global meetings and understand technical documentation.

Willingness to work onsite in plant due to the hands-on nature of the role.