RD&A Analytical Principal Scientist

Job Description:

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

We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Senior Analytical Scientist to provide technical leadership within our RD&A Analytical function at our Global Technology Innovation Centre in Naas. This is a senior scientific role with significant influence across product development, innovation, and complex problem-solving activities.

You will act as a recognised subject matter expert in food and ingredient analysis, leading advanced analytical work, driving method development and scientific excellence, and mentoring others to build long-term analytical capability across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

* Lead and execute advanced chemical and physical analysis of food, beverage, and ingredient systems, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and complex matrices.
* Serve as a recognised expert in selected analytical techniques, methodologies, and sample types.
* Design, develop, optimise, and validate analytical methods to support RD&A, regulatory, and quality objectives.
* Apply strong scientific judgement and creative problem-solving to novel and technically complex challenges, often under tight timelines.
* Interpret complex datasets and apply appropriate statistical approaches to support robust, data-driven decision-making.
* Research and evaluate emerging analytical technologies and best practices, assessing feasibility and value within available resources.
* Lead or contribute to cross-functional analytical development projects with internal stakeholders, external partners, and academic institutions.
* Drive continuous improvement across analytical workflows, instrumentation performance, data quality, and laboratory efficiency.

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* Act as a technical authority for analytical instrumentation and software platforms, supporting selection, implementation, and lifecycle management.
* Lead troubleshooting, calibration, maintenance, and performance optimisation of complex laboratory equipment.
* Ensure high standards of laboratory operation, data integrity, safety, and compliance with GLP and organisational requirements.
* Mentor and coach scientists and analysts, building analytical capability and technical depth across the team.
* Build strong, trusted relationships with RD&A colleagues, customers, and external collaborators.
* Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative culture grounded in scientific rigour and continuous learning.

Qualifications and skills

You will bring:
* An advanced degree in Analytical Chemistry, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline, with significant relevant industry experience.
* Deep expertise in food and ingredient chemistry, with a strong track record in analytical method development and validation.
* Advanced skills in data analysis, statistical interpretation, and scientific reporting.
* Broad hands-on experience with a wide range of analytical techniques and laboratory instrumentation.
* Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
* Clear, credible scientific communication skills, with the ability to influence through expertise.
* A genuine passion for mentoring and developing technical talent