RD&A Associate Scientist / Dairy Applications
About The Position
The Dairy Scientist will play a key role in the development and optimization of dairy and non-dairy beverage formulations, supporting customer innovation projects from concept through commercialization. This position requires strong technical expertise in functional ingredient systems, including stabilizers (gums), buffers, and emulsifiers, to optimize product stability, texture, mouthfeel, shelf life, and overall performance. The successful candidate will work closely with RD&A Scientists, customers, and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative beverage solutions that meet customer and consumer needs while supporting Kerry's commitment to Taste and Nutrition.
Requirements
- 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.
- Strong understanding of beverage formulation and ingredient functionality.
- Knowledge of emulsion stabilization, protein interactions, pH management, and shelf-life stability.
Nice To Haves
- Experience supporting customer-driven innovation projects is preferred.
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.
Benefits
- medical
- dental
- vision
- paid time off
- a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities
- Employee Share Plan
- Life, disability, and accident insurance
- tuition reimbursement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
