Dairy Beverages RD&A Scientist – Formulation & Innovation

Kerry; Beloit (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Kerry is seeking a Dairy Scientist in Beloit, Wisconsin to lead development and optimization of dairy and non-dairy beverage formulations. You will collaborate with RD&A Scientists, customers and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative beverage solutions that meet taste, nutrition and shelf-life targets.

The role focuses on stabilizers, hydrocolloids, buffers and emulsifiers to optimize texture, mouthfeel and product stability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in beverage product development, dairy science, or food formulation.
• Hands-on experience with stabilizer systems, hydrocolloids (gums), emulsifiers, and buffering systems.
• Experience developing dairy beverages, plant-based beverages, protein drinks, nutritional beverages, coffee beverages, or similar liquid applications.
• Knowledge of beverage processing technologies including HTST, UHT/aseptic, and retort systems.
• Experience supporting customer-driven innovation projects is preferred.
• Strong understanding of beverage formulation and ingredient functionality.Knowledge of emulsion stabilization, protein interactions, pH management, and shelf-life stability.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with RD&A Scientists to fully understand beverage formulations, processing requirements, batching procedures, packaging systems, and manufacturing considerations for dairy and non-dairy beverage applications.
• Support RD&A Scientists in responding to customer briefs and developing tailored beverage solutions.
• Develop, optimize, and evaluate formulations utilizing stabilizers, hydrocolloids (gums), buffers, emulsifiers, proteins, and other functional ingredients.
• Conduct laboratory and pilot plant trials to assess product performance, processing compatibility, shelf-life stability, and sensory attributes.
• Maintain an organized inventory of raw materials and ensure timely batching and fulfillment of customer sample requests, typically within 24 hours.
• Execute and support heat treatment processes including HTST, aseptic, and retort processing.
• Participate in customer-facing activities, providing technical expertise and supporting product presentations, demonstrations, and troubleshooting efforts.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, Regulatory, and Quality to deliver innovative solutions.
• Evaluate and improve food and beverage quality attributes including flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, convenience, and physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics.
• Document experimental results, prepare technical reports, and communicate findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate scientific curiosity by proactively exploring new ingredients, technologies, and formulation approaches.
• Participate in sensory evaluations and contribute to sensory panel activities.

Skills

Beverage formulation

Stabilizer systems

HTST/UHT processing

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science or related

Tools

HTST equipment

Aseptic processing

Retort systems

Job description

Kerry is seeking a Dairy Scientist in Beloit, Wisconsin to lead development and optimization of dairy and non-dairy beverage formulations. You will collaborate with RD&A Scientists, customers and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative beverage solutions that meet taste, nutrition and shelf-life targets.

The role focuses on stabilizers, hydrocolloids, buffers and emulsifiers to optimize texture, mouthfeel and product stability.