Senior Scientist - Enzyme Technology & Applications

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. It's an exciting time to join Kerry and we are hiring a Senior Scientist – Enzyme Technology & Applications to joing our growing team. This role is a key contributor within Kerry’s Food EUM, responsible for advancing enzyme technologies that unlock new growth opportunities for our portfolio. This role blends deep expertise in enzymology and protein engineering with strong application knowledge across dairy, bakery, beverage, plant-based, and other Food EUM segments. 

About the role

A critical focus of this role is supporting Kerry customers through advanced technical problem-solving, application development, and translating enzyme technology into differentiated solutions that deliver commercial value. The Senior Scientist will work closely with Business Development, the commercial teams, and key customers to build enzyme application expertise that directly supports the Food EUM’s financial growth targets. 

Key responsibilities

• Lead the discovery, design, and development of novel enzymes through protein engineering, directed evolution, computational screening, and strain development. 

• Characterize enzyme structure–function relationships, kinetics, thermal and pH stability, and performance in Food EUM matrices. 

• Identify emerging scientific and foodprocessing trends to strengthen Kerry’s enzyme pipeline and longterm strategic advantage. 

• Partner with platform teams to build differentiated enzymebased solutions aligned with Kerry’s Taste & Nutrition strategy. 
• Develop deep application expertise across Food EUM categories (dairy, bakery, savory, cereals, plantbased, beverages, etc.) to strengthen Kerry’s technical credibility with customers. 

• Prepare application guidelines, demo prototypes, and performance data packages to support customer engagements and new product introductions. 
• Provide advanced technical troubleshooting for key accounts, collaborating with commercial and BD teams to accelerate project wins. 
• Enable Kerry to win with differentiated enzyme solutions, improving conversion rates and supporting targeted revenue growth. 
• Work closely with Business Development, EUM leaders, and Product Management to align enzyme innovation and applications with commercial growth priorities. 
• Lead enzyme development and application projects from ideation through commercialization, meeting technical milestones and timelines tied to Food EUM growth objectives. 

Qualifications and skills

• Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Enzymology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Food Science, or related field preferred. 

• M.S. with significant enzyme or food industry experience will be considered. 

• 5–10+ years in enzyme discovery, engineering, or applications in food, biotech, or industrial enzyme sectors. 

• Proven ability to translate technical findings into businessrelevant insights and customer solutions. 

• Experience working with commercial teams and/or directly supporting customers is strongly preferred. 

• Advanced expertise in enzymology, protein chemistry, kinetics, and catalytic mechanisms. 

• Handson experience with enzyme production, fermentation, purification, and characterization. 

• Strong proficiency with molecular biology workflows. 

• Familiarity with food processing technologies and enzymebased ingredient systems. 

• Experience with statistical analysis and experimental design (DoE) is a plus. 

The typical hiring range for this role is $70,100 to 122,000 annually and is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, location, etc.  In addition to your pay, Kerry offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and retirement contribution (all benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).