R&D Scientist

Kerry Group; Tiel; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kerry Group is seeking an RD&A Scientist (Food Microbiology) to lead microbiological studies for spoilage control and pathogen management across diverse food systems. This role interfaces with global RD&A teams in Europe and APAC, translating data into actionable recommendations.

The candidate will design experiments, assess preservation solutions, and present findings to internal and external stakeholders, contributing to safer, more sustainable foods.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Food Microbiology, Food Safety, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience in food microbiology, preservation, food safety, or related research environments.
• Strong understanding of spoilage organisms, pathogens, and factors influencing microbial growth.
• Experience designing and interpreting scientific studies and experimental data.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Fluency in English; additional languages would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design, manage, and execute microbiological studies across various food applications.
• Conduct antimicrobial screening, microbial challenge studies, and shelf-life evaluations.
• Validate effectiveness of Kerry's clean-label and conventional food protection solutions.
• Analyse experimental data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Benchmark Kerry technologies against competitive solutions.
• Coordinate external challenge studies, planning, data analysis and reporting.
• Present scientific findings to customers and internal stakeholders (RD&A, BD, PM, Sales).
• Collaborate with international RD&A colleagues to strengthen food safety expertise.

Skills

Scientific communication

Collaborative work

Project management

Education

MSc or PhD in Food Microbiology, Food Safety, or related

Job description

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

Join Kerry's Food Protection & Preservation RD&A team and help shape the future of food safety, shelf life, and clean-label preservation solutions.

As an RD&A Scientist (Food Microbiology), you will lead microbiological research and application studies that support both existing products and the development of new solutions designed to control spoilage organisms and pathogens. Working across a diverse range of food systems, you will generate scientific insights, validate product performance, and translate complex data into meaningful recommendations for colleagues and customers.

This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with global RD&A teams across Europe and APMEA while contributing to innovative technologies that help customers deliver safer, more sustainable food products.

Key responsibilities

• Design, manage, and execute microbiological studies across a variety of food applications.
• Conduct antimicrobial screening, microbial challenge studies, and shelf-life evaluations.
• Validate the effectiveness of Kerry's clean-label and conventional food protection solutions.
• Analyse experimental data and convert findings into clear, actionable recommendations and value propositions.
• Benchmark Kerry technologies against competitive solutions.
• Coordinate external challenge studies, including planning, material management, data analysis, and reporting.
• Present scientific findings to customers and internal stakeholders, including RD&A, Business Development, Product Management, and Sales teams.
• Collaborate closely with international RD&A colleagues to strengthen Kerry's expertise in food safety and preservation.

Qualifications and skills

• MSc or PhD in Food Microbiology, Food Safety, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience in food microbiology, preservation, food safety, or related research environments.
• Strong understanding of spoilage organisms, pathogens, and factors influencing microbial growth.
• Experience designing and interpreting scientific studies and experimental data.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to a range of audiences.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Fluency in English; additional languages would be advantageous.