About Us
Dawn Farms is a family-owned company established in 1985. It is the largest dedicated supplier of cooked meat and plant-based ingredients, fermented and dried sausage products outside the US. The company supplies world-leading food brands across more than 44 markets, including the UK, Europe, Asia, and Africa. With over 1,000 employees, Dawn Farms is committed to safety, innovation, and sustainability while strengthening the communities where employees live and work.
Job Purpose
Dawn Farms seeks an S&I Graduate to join the Science & Innovation Department at our state‑of‑the‑art production facilities in Naas, Co. Kildare. The graduate will help plan, conduct, and evaluate new experiments and trials, contribute to product development, and support innovation across multiple platforms.
Position Details
Type: Full‑Time, Fixed‑Term (2 years)Location: Naas, Co. Kildare, IrelandSalary: DOEHours: 39 hours per week, Mon–Fri (some flexibility required)
Responsibilities & Duties
Plan and execute practical experiments and trials, designing and testing new or improved methods and products in the S&I Pure Culinary Science kitchen, pilot plant, or factories.
Collaborate with Project Managers to advise on trial design, timelines, hurdles, and improvements.
Generate, interpret, and record data, maintaining SharePoint databases and documenting results in OneNote and other Microsoft Office applications.
Present data and results to the S&I team to support decisions during experimental and prototype testing.
Evaluate new ingredients, materials, products, or processes to build S&I capabilities.
Develop expertise in process and analytical methodologies, preparing and updating specifications and SOPs.
Capture key learnings and share insights internally to improve innovation processes.
Coordinate trial planning and knowledge transfer within the team.
Work across departments to execute collaborative project tasks.
Provide scientific and technical guidance to other team members and departments as needed.
Ensure food safety and adhere to health and safety policies, SOPs, and good hygiene practices.
Key Deliverables
Execute practical trials on time and according to brief.
Update trial reports and communication platforms daily.
Generate high‑quality reports and documentation stored on SharePoint and OneNote.
Review and complete trial reports with Project Managers.
Advance projects to the next stage.
Achieve technical advances during trials.
Key Skills & Competencies
Degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, Food Fermentation, or related field.
General understanding of food applications and processing.
Excellent record‑keeping and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
Ability to read, collect, analyse, and interpret technical information and data.
Logical and scientific thinking applied to a wide range of problems.
Ability to operate laboratory and pilot equipment following training.
Troubleshooting skills and eagerness to learn.
Project management skills and ability to prioritize multiple activities.
Ability to distinguish colours and flavours.
Understanding of GMP and Food Safety concepts.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in mathematical concepts such as percent, ppm, and basic algebraic equations.
Ability to build constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
Willingness to travel as required.
Must regularly lift and/or move materials or equipment up to 10 kg, occasionally up to 20 kg.
Benefits
22 days annual leave.
Health insurance contribution.
Pension plan.
Subsidised canteen.
Training and development opportunities for career progression.
Employee assistance programme (support from life coaches, dietitians, relocation advice).
Bike‑to‑work scheme.
Christmas savings scheme.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Dawn Farm Foods Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer.
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