Principal Scientist - Enzymes Application

About Kerry

Kerry leads globally in taste and nutrition for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors, collaborating daily with customers to create healthier, tastier, and more sustainable products enjoyed worldwide. Their vision is to become the most valued partner in creating a world of sustainable nutrition. Joining Kerry offers a chance to influence the future of food in a dynamic international setting.

Role Overview

We seek a Principal Scientist experienced in biotechnology and enzyme science to join our Enzymes Application Team based in Naas. This impactful role involves spearheading enzyme application excellence, driving innovation, and expanding the enzyme portfolio across various end-use markets (EUMs). The position focuses primarily on leveraging and enhancing the protease enzyme portfolio across sectors, but also involves contributing innovation in other enzyme classes and related technologies to deliver differentiated solutions to customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of next-gen enzyme technologies alongside Product Line Management, optimizing the existing enzyme portfolio for maximum customer value.
• Identify and prioritize new technology opportunities that leverage protease enzymes across multiple EUMs.
• Produce and manage analytical datasets validating the technical strengths of current and future enzyme technologies, developing novel analytical methods as needed.
• Design, screen, and optimize enzyme systems through laboratory characterization, activity and stability assays, formulation adjustments, application functionality testing, and kinetic and mode of action studies.
• Interpret complex experimental data and generate detailed, evidence-based reports and presentations for both internal teams and external partners.
• Convert scientific findings into practical, scalable enzyme solutions aligned with overall portfolio strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders including R&D, Product Line Management, IP, Regulatory, Quality, and Commercial teams to co-create customer-focused enzyme products.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Biotechnology, Food Science, or related discipline; PhD preferred but not mandatory.
• Relevant R&D experience within biotechnology or food science sectors is strongly desirable.
• A strong passion for biotechnology with a motivation to innovate in food, feed, and beverage industries.
• Proven expertise in enzyme characterization including assay development, optimization, and data interpretation, especially with protease enzymes.
• Deep understanding of enzyme functionality and their transformative role in industrial food, beverage, and feed applications.
• Competence in analyzing complex datasets, extracting insights, and delivering actionable recommendations.
• Capacity to work efficiently across multiple projects ensuring stakeholder coordination and timely delivery of high-quality outcomes.
• Laboratory skills encompassing GLP adherence, method validation, and use of analytical instruments such as spectrophotometers and HPLC.