R&D Technician / Fermentation

Kerry; Beloit (WI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Kerry is seeking an R&D Technician to join the Fermentation R&D team in the Food Protection division at Beloit, WI. You will perform hands-on fermentation experiments, prepare media, operate lab-scale bioreactors, and assist scientists with data collection and testing.

You will follow established QC procedures, utilize SAP/Optiva/Excel for data management, and help ensure accurate results while maintaining a clean, compliant lab environment daily.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, or related discipline.
• Basic knowledge of microbiology and laboratory practices.
• Understanding of aseptic techniques and microbiological testing methods.
• Ability to prepare laboratory media, perform serial dilutions, plate samples, and conduct colony counts.
• Strong attention to detail when preparing experiments, collecting samples, and recording data.
• Ability to accurately follow laboratory protocols, testing methods, and experimental procedures.
• Basic understanding of chemical and physical testing techniques.
• Good organizational and laboratory housekeeping skills.
• Ability to manage multiple laboratory activities and prioritize work.
• Strong documentation and data-entry skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other standard computer applications.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists and other members of a technical R&D team.

Responsibilities

• Support R&D Scientists with daily fermentation research and laboratory activities.
• Prepare media and recipes for laboratory-scale fermentation experiments.
• Set up and support operation of laboratory-scale bioreactors.
• Collect samples at designated stages throughout the fermentation process and accurately record and process experimental data.
• Perform basic microbiological techniques, including media preparation, serial dilutions, plating, and bacterial enumeration.
• Analyze raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Conduct physical, chemical, microbiological, functional, and sensory testing as required.
• Use wet chemistry, instrumental, physical, and/or sensory methods to evaluate raw materials and finished products against established specifications.
• Document and communicate testing and evaluation results to the appropriate teams.
• Support laboratory operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, preparing shipments, and sending samples to other locations.
• Conduct proficiency testing within the scope of laboratory accreditations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Use systems and software such as SAP, Optiva, Microsoft Excel, and other applicable laboratory or business systems.
• Follow all established quality, food safety, laboratory, and company procedures.
• Follow the Kerry principles of Safety First and Quality Always.
• Support additional R&D and laboratory activities as assigned.

Skills

Microbiology basics

Aseptic techniques

Serial dilutions

Plate samples

Colony counts

Data recording

Excel proficiency

Laboratory collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related discipline

Tools

SAP

Optiva

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position Type FT Fixed Term

Workplace Arrangement #LI-Onsite

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

The R&D Technician will support the Fermentation R&D team within the Food Protection business and work closely with scientists and other fermentation experts to ensure smooth day-to-day laboratory operations.

This is a hands-on laboratory role supporting fermentation experiments, microbiological testing, sample analysis, media preparation, and bioreactor setup. The technician will also assist scientists with experimental work, data collection, raw material and finished product testing, and general laboratory activities.

The position reports to the R&D Manager, Food Protection & Preservation - Fermentation.

Key responsibilities

• Support R&D Scientists with daily fermentation research and laboratory activities.
• Prepare media and recipes for laboratory-scale fermentation experiments.
• Set up and support operation of laboratory-scale bioreactors.
• Collect samples at designated stages throughout the fermentation process and accurately record and process experimental data.
• Perform basic microbiological techniques, including
• Media preparation
• Serial dilutions
• Plating
• Bacterial enumeration and colony counting

Analyze raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.

• Conduct physical, chemical, microbiological, functional, and sensory testing as required.
• Use wet chemistry, instrumental, physical, and/or sensory methods to evaluate raw materials and finished products against established specifications.
• Document and communicate testing and evaluation results to the appropriate teams.
• Support laboratory operations, including ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, preparing shipments, and sending samples to other locations.
• Conduct proficiency testing within the scope of laboratory accreditations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Use systems and software such as SAP, Optiva, Microsoft Excel, and other applicable laboratory or business systems.
• Follow all established quality, food safety, laboratory, and company procedures.
• Follow the Kerry principles of Safety First and Quality Always.
• Support additional R&D and laboratory activities as assigned.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Basic knowledge of microbiology and laboratory practices.
• Understanding of aseptic techniques and microbiological testing methods.
• Ability to prepare laboratory media, perform serial dilutions, plate samples, and conduct colony counts.
• Strong attention to detail when preparing experiments, collecting samples, and recording data.
• Ability to accurately follow laboratory protocols, testing methods, and experimental procedures.
• Basic understanding of chemical and physical testing techniques.
• Good organizational and laboratory housekeeping skills.
• Ability to manage multiple laboratory activities and prioritize work.
• Strong documentation and data-entry skills.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other standard computer applications.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists and other members of a technical R&D team.
• The pay range for this position is $47,900 - $78,750 in Annual Salary . Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role . Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case . The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity . Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement . This job posting is anticipated to expire on January 30th, 2027.

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).