At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive product innovation using advanced data science and AI/ML techniques.
- Company: Leading international food manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with exposure to cutting-edge technology and global projects.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team transforming food science through data-driven insights.
- Qualifications: Degree in Data Science or related field; experience in statistical modelling and analytics.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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.
Senior R&D Data Scientist in Luton employer: Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
Join a leading international food manufacturer in Buckinghamshire as a Senior R&D Data Scientist, where you will be at the forefront of product innovation and sustainability. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and technical excellence, providing you with opportunities for long-term career development while working on cutting-edge AI/ML applications and advanced modelling techniques. Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package in a dynamic environment that values your contributions to transforming data into actionable insights.
Contact Details:
Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior R&D Data Scientist in Luton
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior R&D Data Scientist in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
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Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Protea Recruitment Ltd | Food | Drinks | FMCG Recruitment Partner
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
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✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
