Sr. Scientist Innovation - Small Molecules

Requisition ID 64163

Position Type (US)Full Time

Workplace Arrangement

About 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.

About the role

As a core member of a cross‑functional pod team—including Product Management and Strategic Marketing—you will help define and execute the strategic vision for Kerry’s Small Molecules pharma portfolio.

The pod team operates with shared accountability, ensuring alignment and balanced decision‑making as you collectively shape the innovation pipeline and drive strategic execution. Reporting to the RD&A Director, you will synthesize global market, customer, and competitive insights across the small‑molecule pharmaceutical landscape to inform long‑term innovation strategy. You will collaborate closely with pod team members and global stakeholders to develop and execute a roadmap that maximizes value creation for Kerry.

This role requires strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration, with regular engagement across Product Management, Business Development, Sales, Marketing, Regulatory, Operations, and Quality. You will guide the product lifecycle, support customer engagements, shape innovation pipelines, and define the technical direction for your area of expertise.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the subject matter expert for the Small Molecules vertical, providing deep expertise in drug‑product formulation, excipients, process aids, and performance‑enabling technologies
• Develop and execute the long‑term product and innovation roadmap for small‑molecule technologies and excipient platforms
• Assess market trends, unmet needs, and competitive dynamics to identify innovation and growth opportunities across oral solid dose, parenteral small molecules, and emerging delivery platforms
• Prioritize innovation and renovation projects in partnership with RD&A, Marketing, and Product Management
• Contribute to business cases and champion new product development initiatives across small‑molecule excipients and process materials
• Translate complex scientific and formulation concepts into clear value propositions and differentiators for customers
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop technical content, including application notes, white papers, and scientific conference materials
• Support strategic business analysis, including market assessments, pipeline modeling, and identification of M&A or partnership opportunities aligned with the Small Molecules strategy
  
  

Qualifications and skills

• Master’s or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• 8 years of experience in small‑molecule drug product development, formulation science, excipient technologies, process development, or related areas
• Strong understanding of small‑molecule manufacturing processes (e.g., granulation, compression, coating, sterile injectables)
• Proven ability to connect scientific, operational, and commercial perspectives
• Excellent communication, project management, and problem‑solving skills
• Experience in customer‑facing technical roles, such as formulation support, tech transfer, or process optimization
• Familiarity with pharmacopeial standards (USP/EP), GMP environments, and regulatory frameworks
  
  

Preferred

• Background in excipients, binders, disintegrants, solubility enhancers, stabilizers, or process materials for small‑molecule drug products
• Up to 15% global travel.
  
  

The pay range for this position is $88,100 - $163,700 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on Jun 30th, 2026

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.

Recruiter

Posting Type DNI