2026 R&D Graduate Programme with focus on Product Innovation and Product Management in the field of biotechnology

• c-LEcta GmbH Leipzig (a Kerry company), Alte Messe 3, 04103 Leipzig
• RDA Graduate
• full-time; permanent
• Start date: September 2026
• reference number: 61952

JETZT BEWERBEN

Join Kerry and Shape the Future of Sustainable Nutrition

At Kerry, we’re tackling one of humanity’s greatest challenges: delivering sustainable nutrition to over 2 billion people while protecting our planet. It’s a monumental task, and we need ambitious graduates bursting with innovative solutions to real-world problems. If you’re an agile, collaborative team player, we offer a career where you can make a real difference and help secure our future.

Do you have what it takes to deliver sustainable nutrition to over 2 billion people? Rise to the challenge with one of our Graduate Programmes.

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) Programme with focus on Product Innovation and Product Management in the field of Biotechnology

Our global RD&A team of 1,000+ food scientists and local manufacturing facilities with a footprint in 31 countries enable 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 evolve and supporting sustainable growth. We innovate with a uniquely structured approach to design 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 learnings and start your journey towards becoming a leading food technologist.

What you might be doing

As part of the RD&A Graduate Programme with focus on Product Innovation and Product Management in the field of Biotechnology, you’ll be immersed in real-world innovation projects spanning the entire product lifecycle—from concept to commercialization – across two distinct industries: Food and Biopharma.

• Collaborating across Kerry’s global and cross-functional network to anticipate market trends, understand customer needs, and drive innovative biotechnology solutions that deliver exceptional taste, nutrition, and functionality to the food & beverage industry.
• Support the systematic evaluation and refinement of project ideas, helping to translate initial concepts into clearly defined, actionable initiatives with measurable goals.
• Driving innovation in the Biopharma market by combining customer collaboration, market and scientific analysis, and trend identification to evaluate and shape commercially viable product opportunities.
• Managing a portfolio of enzymes for the biopharmaceutical manufacturing market, including product commercialization / commercial launch activities.
• Preparing technical marketing materials such as product USP and competitor analysis for biopharma customers focused on ATMP applications (e.g., website content, presentations, brochures).
• Driving cross-functional projects in collaboration with Sales, Business Development, R&D, Application, Quality, and Communications teams to ensure that product solutions are fit for purpose and viable across regional and global markets.
• Managing and coordinating development projects as a project lead or support role to advance them through the innovation pipeline.
• Supporting customer visits, international conferences and trade shows and technical presentations, contributing to Kerry’s reputation for scientific excellence and customer partnership.
• Acquiring a strong understanding of Kerry’s ingredient portfolio and its application across diverse end-use markets including Biopharma, Bakery & Snacks, Beverage, Dairy, Animal and Human Nutrition.

Do you have what it takes?

• You’re a recent or soon-to-be graduate with a Master’s or PhD degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology or a related field.
• You are ambitious, curious, proactive, and motivated, with a structured and self-organized approach to your work.
• You’re open-minded, have strong communication skills and enjoy working in cross-functional teams.
• You’re optimistic, detail-oriented and possess a solution-focused mindset.
• You bring an analytical mindset with a strong affinity for data.
• You think beyond the lab bench, are application- and market-oriented, and have a strong interest in how products succeed commercially.
• You’re fluent in English.
• You’re open to travel or relocate and eligible to work permanently at the location you’re applying for.

Your benefits:

• structured 2 year programme with permanent contract
• support of mentor and a global network of graduates
• collaborative, team-oriented working atmosphere
• exciting real work challenges
• modern workplace and corporate events

We kindly encourage you to take the next step by applying through the link below and creating your candidate profile on the Kerry career website. We look forward to receiving your application.

KERRY GROUP PLC
Prince's Street Tralee | V92 EH11 County Kerry | Irland
https://www.kerry.com/

JETZT BEWERBEN