This role plays a critical role in driving scientific and technical excellence within the RD&A team. Combining deep subject matter expertise with hands-on involvement in day-to-day development activities. The Principal Scientist leads complex research and development initiatives, supports customer-driven projects, and contributes to the strategic direction of their application area. Key responsibilities Define and execute complex research objectives aligned with customer needs. Lead strategic development from concept to launch, offering technical guidance to cross-functional teams. Build strong value propositions and present scientific insights to clients and stakeholders. Mentor RD&A teams and serve as a reference in your area of expertise. Represent Kerry at international conferences and contribute to global knowledge sharing. Monitor KPIs and propose process optimizations based on market insights. Qualifications and skills 10+ years of experience in application research or academia. High proficiency in English, Portuguese is desirable. Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field. Strategic mindset, resilience, and openness to change. Ability to teach, influence, and collaborate with diverse teams. Availability to travel and work on-site or relocate to Medellín .