Senior R&D Data Scientist
Location: Buckinghamshire
Sector: FMCG / Food Manufacturing / Innovation & Technology
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
The Opportunity
A leading international food manufacturer is seeking a Senior R&D Data Scientist to join its central Innovation & Technology function. This is a high-impact role focused on accelerating product innovation through advanced modelling, predictive analytics, AI/ML applications, and data-driven scientific insight.
Working within a global R&D and innovation environment, the successful candidate will play a key role in transforming technical data into actionable solutions that support faster product development, improved formulation understanding, enhanced sustainability, and smarter decision-making across innovation programmes.
This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of food science, data science, and product innovation within a highly collaborative and future-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and apply predictive models to improve understanding of ingredient interactions, formulation behaviour, and product functionality.
* Build modelling tools that accelerate innovation timelines and reduce dependency on physical experimentation.
* Lead the application of statistical modelling, AI, and machine learning approaches across product and process development activities.
* Design and execute Design of Experiments (DoE) and multivariate studies to generate high-value datasets.
* Develop optimisation models to support formulation efficiency, process improvements, and product performance.
* Create hybrid mechanistic and data-driven models for areas such as shelf-life prediction, stability, and process optimisation.
* Translate complex technical outputs into clear, visual, decision-ready insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
* Support data governance, data quality standards, and modelling infrastructure development.
* Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Innovation, Product Development, Procurement, Technical, and external partners.
* Work with suppliers, technology providers, and research organisations to identify and implement leading-edge modelling capabilities.
* Contribute to medium and long-term innovation and sustainability roadmaps across the wider business.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for an individual with strong technical and analytical capability combined with excellent collaboration and communication skills. The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating within complex global environments and translating scientific data into practical commercial outcomes.
Key Experience & Skills
* Degree qualified in Data Science, Food Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
* Strong experience applying statistical modelling, predictive analytics, or machine learning within FMCG, food manufacturing, consumer goods, or a related technical industry.
* Experience working with Design of Experiments (DoE), multivariate analysis, and data interpretation.
* Knowledge of formulation science, ingredient functionality, process optimisation, or product development environments would be highly advantageous.
* Experience using modelling and analytical tools such as Python, R, MATLAB, JMP, Minitab, or similar platforms.
* Ability to manage complex datasets and translate findings into practical technical recommendations.
* Strong communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
* Experience working with external partners, suppliers, or academic institutions is beneficial.
* Self-motivated with a proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
What’s on Offer
* Opportunity to work on breakthrough innovation programmes within a globally recognised FMCG business.
* Exposure to advanced technology, AI/ML applications, and cutting-edge product innovation projects.
* Collaborative and highly technical innovation environment.
* Long-term career development within a global organisation.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.