Associate Scientist

About the role

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Associate Scientist to join our team. In this role, you will support customer requests—both internal and external—from concept development through troubleshooting and commercialization. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer needs and uphold our commitment to quality, taste, and nutrition.

Key responsibilities

• Support customer projects from ideation to commercialization, including troubleshooting technical challenges.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and develop gold standards in collaboration with Culinary and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).
• Conduct competitive product matching and formulation optimization.
• Understand and navigate internal processes to provide effective project support.
• Troubleshoot customer processes and provide technical solutions.
• Act as a strong customer-facing representative to deliver solutions that “Nourish and Delight.”
• Assist sales and senior R&D representatives during customer calls with technical and culinary presentations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to leverage company strengths and deliver superior taste and nutrition experiences.
• Research and apply methods to improve food quality, including flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.
• Complete project requests as required by customers and manage time efficiently.
• Provide technical assistance to customers and internal teams as needed.
• Work effectively in team environments.
• Ability to taste and smell chemicals, flavors, and food products.
• Ability to stand for extended periods in a lab setting and lift up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications and skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience: 3+ years in food product development or applications (internships/co-ops considered).
• Strong knowledge of food processing technologies, HACCP, and regulatory standards.
• Hands-on experience with pilot plant equipment and laboratory analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

The pay range for this position is $75,602 - $123,432 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on Feb 28th, 2026.

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.