2026 Research, Development and Application Internship Programme
Research, Development & Application Internship
Start Date: January/March - 6 months minimumAvailable Locations: Naas – Ireland; Frankfurt- Germany, Barcelona- Spain, Grasse- France, Portbury- UK
Discover Your Future with Kerry
Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier, and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world.Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
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Dive into a world of opportunities with our diverse internships across Ireland, the UK, and Mainland Europe. Whether you’re available for 6, 9, or 12 months, you’ll gain invaluable work experience, be the first to hear about our Graduate program opportunities and earn a competitive salary!
Description and Responsibilities:
Depending on the team you join, your responsibilities may vary—but all roles include practical, hands-on experience within our R&D laboratories.
You'll support the department across a range of innovation and application projects, contributing to Kerry’s mission of delivering sustainable nutrition. You’ll be involved in:
- Supporting the development of new products and the improvement of existing ones through bench-scale and pilot-scale trials.
- Applying scientific principles to enhance product taste, nutrition, and functionality.
- Documenting experimental outcomes to support scale-up and product transfer to manufacturing.
- Assisting with ingredient and formulation tracking to ensure consistency and readiness for trials.
- Maintaining retained samples and ensuring raw materials are within shelf-life.
- Keeping the R&D lab and equipment organized and operational.
- Recording work and time activity using tools like Salesforce RD&A Tracker.
- Attending team meetings and contributing to project goals and timelines.
- Engaging in training and development activities and building technical expertise across the centre.
- Following Health & Safety protocols in labs, pilot plants, and operational areas.
- This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience, contribute to impactful projects, and build a strong foundation in food science and technology.
You will be based in one of the following locations: Naas – Ireland; Frankfurt- Germany, Barcelona- Spain, Grasse- France, Portbury- UK
Kerry Internship Programme:
As a Kerry intern you will benefit from:
- Meaningful work experience
- Network with other interns through events
- Opportunities to demonstrate to our leaders how you have contributed to Kerry during your internship.
- Learning about our wider business
- Opportunities to connect with other interns
We are committed to the development of our Interns as we aim to convert as many Interns as possible to Graduates. High performing interns will be given the opportunity to be considered for our Graduate Program before they complete their placement.
What we are Looking for:
- Studying Food Science, Food Technology, or related scientific degrees and on track for a 2:1 degree classification
- Results Oriented
- Motivated self-starter with the determination and drive to succeed.
- Exceptional communication skills
- Strong ability to work well in a team and on your own.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft office – Word, PowerPoint, Excel
- Good organisational and time management skills