At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive product innovation using advanced data science techniques and predictive modelling.
- Company: Leading international food manufacturer with a focus on innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for long-term career development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with exposure to cutting-edge technology and global projects.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team at the forefront of food science and AI-driven innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree in Data Science or related field; experience in statistical modelling and machine learning.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
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.
Data Science Data Science Senior Data Scientist (Python) (Remote) employer: Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
Join a leading international food manufacturer as a Senior R&D Data Scientist in Buckinghamshire, where you'll be at the forefront of product innovation and sustainability. Enjoy a collaborative work culture that values your expertise in data science and offers extensive career development opportunities within a globally recognised FMCG business. With competitive salary and benefits, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact through advanced modelling and AI/ML applications.
Contact Detail:
Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Science Data Science Senior Data Scientist (Python) (Remote)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving predictive models or AI/ML applications. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data science to drive innovation and solve real-world problems.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Science Data Science Senior Data Scientist (Python) (Remote)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your experience with predictive modelling, AI/ML applications, and any relevant projects in FMCG or food manufacturing.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've transformed data into actionable insights and how you can contribute to our innovation programmes.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in tools like Python, R, or MATLAB. We want to see how you've applied these skills in real-world scenarios, especially in statistical modelling and data interpretation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our global team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
✨Know Your Data Science Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your statistical modelling, predictive analytics, and machine learning skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've applied these techniques, especially in the FMCG or food manufacturing sectors.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working with cross-functional teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight any experiences where you translated complex data insights into actionable recommendations for non-technical stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to Python, R, or other modelling tools mentioned in the job description. Practise explaining your thought process when developing predictive models or conducting Design of Experiments (DoE).
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Innovation
Since this role is all about accelerating product innovation, come armed with ideas on how data science can drive innovation in food manufacturing. Share your thoughts on future trends in AI/ML applications and how they could impact the industry.
