RD&A Scientist - Taste Fermentation

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

Kerry is one of the world’s main producers of yeast & extracts. Our manufacturing facility located in Scotland employs some of the most advanced technology and processing techniques in the industry. Our research, development & applications (RD&A) team of biochemists and scientists actively work on research projects related to yeast propagation, extraction & autolysis, and developing processes to aid with this. Our team of applications scientists focus on applying yeast & yeast extract in customer applications to enhance the taste & function of many common FMCGs.

Key responsibilities

Based in our Global Innovation Centre in Naas and will be part of the RDA team, provide applied scientific support within the matrix of a biotechnological fermentation system integrating subjects as diverse as microbial physiology & ecology, digestion and reaction chemistry, biochemistry and enzymology.

The taste fermentation scientist will: 

• work alongside the Taste RDA team in R&D projects aiming to develop new and improved production processes for existing products (media and process optimization), new and improved production strains (selection, strain performance testing), or develop new products (strain screening, method development).
• actively participate in the planning of projects, providing critical feedback and creative technical solutions for innovative experimental designs.
• be actively engaged in the day-to-day operation of advanced bioreactor systems. 
• carry out testing and analysis on experimental samples to thoroughly understand the development of each process and product
• process and report all experimental results, playing a key role in reporting to project stakeholders.
• actively participate in R&D project meetings and reviews, providing critical feedback and technology insight.
• share the responsibility of maintaining the smooth operation of the fermentation lab, in terms of maintenance, hygiene, consumables, procedures and QSHE (Quality, Safety, Health and Environment), as well as participating in the selection/commissioning of new equipment.
• participate actively in scale-up and transfer of new technology to manufacturing.
• Participate in customer engagement as it relates to NPD implementation or follow up
• Support Portfolio management in product benchmarking.

Key Deliverables: 

• Experimental design, contributing to the formulation of robust experiments that will confidently drive advancement of research and support decision-making.
• Flawless execution of fermentation and microbiology experiments, including the operation of advanced parallel bioreactor systems.
• Technical reporting of experiments, supporting timely R&D project delivery and technology transfers.
• Laboratory management and maintenance, ensuring facilities and equipment are fit-for-purpose and operating smoothly.
• Innovation, contributing to ideation towards improvements in production processes and new product developments.

Qualifications and skills

• Minimum MSc. in Microbiology, Biotechnology or related field. PhD and relevant internships are advantageous. A good background in engineering disciplines is a plus.
• Hands-on experience in microbial fermentation (yeast & bacterial)/cell culture or biomass,  industrial microbiology, whether in industry or academic setting. Autonomous operation of bioreactor systems with advanced controls (e.g. aerobic fed-batch cultivation) is highly advantageous. Experience at pilot scale or in production environment is a plus.
• Experience in protein and metabolite down streaming experience will be valuable
• Competence in general microbiology laboratory practices and aseptic techniques. 
• Experience with biology or analytical techniques (biochemical assays, HPLC, etc) is advantageous.
• Competence in writing technical documents such as research reports, SOPs, etc. Proficiency with Excel or other data processing/visualization software is desirable. Experience with numerical techniques or programming languages is a plus.
• Experience in trouble-shooting of laboratory equipment is advantageous.
• Experience working in collaborative and multi-cultural environments in a plus.

Competencies (Critical Skills, Aptitudes & Personality): 

• Desire to work in Science, at the interface between Biology, Chemistry and Engineering.
• Preference for working in an applied R&D environment: deals well with change, has a constructive approach dealing with setbacks and unforeseen situations, enjoys seeing the impact of own contributions into new processes and products.
• Affinity for problem-solving and handling of diverse laboratory equipment (mechanical, analytical, electronics, software).
• Absolute integrity and transparency in all work related matters.
• Attention to detail; curiosity; ownership and accountability for own deliverables.
• Self-motivation, proactivity and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Time-management skills; flexibility to cope with variable workloads and time requirements.
• Clear and structured communication, both verbal and written.
• Availability to travel, within Ireland or abroad, is a plus.