Overview2026 Europe Research & Development Graduate Programme. Start date: September 2026. Contract: full time; permanent. You will be based in one of the following locations: Naas (Ireland), Mozzo (Italy), Portbury (UK), Leipzig (Germany).Join Kerry and Shape the Future of Sustainable Nutrition. This permanent, full-time role begins with a structured 2-year programme that includes rotational placements across different teams and locations. From day one, you’ll be immersed in real-world challenges, supported by a global network of graduates, and empowered to make meaningful contributions. With structured learning, cross-functional exposure, and opportunities to relocate across Europe, the programme is designed to give you the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive in your career.Our Research, Development & Application (RD&A) ProgramOur global RD&A team of 1,000+ food scientists and local manufacturing facilities with a footprint in 31 countries enables us to co-create great tasting products, with improved nutrition and functionality, while ensuring better impact for the planet. You’ll be at the front of customer innovation helping our business and sustain growth. We innovate with a uniquely structured approach to designing products, services, and experiences that positively and profitably influence behaviour. You’ll be supported and mentored every step of the way by experts, working on real projects that allow you to apply your learning and start your journey towards becoming a leading food technologist.What you might be doingAs part of the RD&A Graduate Program, you’ll be immersed in real-world innovation projects that span the full product lifecycle—from concept to commercialization. Depending on the team you join, your responsibilities may include:Collaborating directly with customers to understand their needs and co-develop tailored solutions that deliver great taste, nutrition, and functionality.Designing and executing bench-scale and pilot-scale trials to develop new products or improve existing ones, ensuring alignment with customer declarations and commercial targets.Applying scientific principles to enhance product performance beyond taste—focusing on nutrition, sustainability, and functionality.Leading or contributing to end-to-end project management across applied research, technology development, and innovation pipelines.Exploring advanced research areas such as sensory science, flavour creation, fermentation, and nutritional science, with opportunities to pioneer new approaches.Participating in internal and external customer requests, supporting projects from early-stage concepting through to troubleshooting and scale-up.Ensuring technical documentation and formulation accuracy to support successful product development and manufacturing readiness.Engaging with cross-functional teams to ensure product solutions are viable across regional and global markets.Supporting customer visits and technical presentations, contributing to Kerry’s reputation for scientific excellence and customer partnership.Maintaining a strong understanding of Kerry’s ingredient portfolio and its application across diverse end-use markets including Food, Meat, Beverage, Supplements, and Pet Food.What you’ll needYou’re on track for a 2.1 degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Data Science, Biology, Data Analysis or similarYou’re ambitious, curious, and can’t wait to put your talents into actionYou’re open-minded, agile, and willing to embrace opportunitiesYou’re a recent or soon-to-be graduateYou’re fluent in English and ideally another languageYou’re eligible to permanently work in the location you’re applying toYou’re open to traveling and relocatingKerry Graduates must have permanent Right to Work in Europe or UK (for UK based roles) and be willing to relocate to other European countries during the programSubmit your application only for the program of your interest. Any multiple applications will be withdrawn.Seniority levelNot ApplicableEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionResearch, Analyst, and Information TechnologyIndustriesFood and Beverage ServicesFood and Beverage ManufacturingManufacturingReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Kerry by 2x.
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