Principal Scientist - Enzyme Applications

About Kerry

Kerry stands as the foremost global leader in taste and nutrition for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Each day, we collaborate with clients to develop healthier, tasty, and sustainable products that reach billions worldwide. Our aim is to become our customers' most trusted partner, creating a future centered on sustainable nutrition. Joining Kerry offers a unique chance to influence the future of food within an international and expansive setting.

Role Overview

We are looking for a passionate Principal Scientist specialized in biotechnology and enzyme science, eager to drive cutting-edge nutritional advancements. This pivotal role in our Enzymes Application Team based in Naas focuses on elevating enzyme applications within the food and beverage industry. You will spearhead improvements in our enzyme portfolio and innovate to unlock potential markets, influencing multiple end-use sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Product Line Management to lead the innovation and optimization of next-generation enzyme technologies and enhance the existing portfolio for maximized customer value.
• Identify promising development prospects for protease enzymes across various market segments.
• Manage analytical data preparation to validate technological advantages, including pioneering new analytical methods when needed.
• Design and oversee enzyme system assessments through experimental characterization, activity and stability testing, formulation advances, and functional evaluation in applications, while elucidating enzyme mechanisms and kinetics.
• Interpret complex datasets to produce clear, evidence-supported technical communications for internal teams and customers.
• Convert scientific data into feasible, scalable enzyme solutions aligning with overarching portfolio goals.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams such as R&D, IP, Regulatory, Quality, and Commercial departments to deliver science-driven, customer-centric enzyme products.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Degree in Biotechnology, Food Science, or a related discipline; a PhD is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Prior research and development experience within the biotechnology or food science industries is highly favored.
• A strong passion for and curiosity about biotechnology with a commitment to advancing food, feed, and beverage innovation.
• Proven expertise in enzyme characterization, including assay development, optimization, and analysis, with a preference for experience involving protease enzymes.
• Deep understanding of enzyme roles and their impact on industrial food, beverage, and feed applications and manufacturing processes.
• Capability to analyze detailed datasets and derive meaningful insights for strategic decision-making.
• Comfort working efficiently under multiple concurrent projects and coordinating diverse stakeholder inputs to deliver superior outcomes promptly.
• Laboratory skills encompassing Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), method validation, and regular use of analytical instruments such as spectrophotometers and HPLC.