Research Scientist I

Suntory Global Spirits

. Report to a Group Manager on the Product & Sensory team within Global R&D .

Posted 11/12/2026full-timeClermont • Kentucky • United StatesJuniorMid-LevelWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in product development and commercialization within the food and beverage industry, with strong capabilities in experimental planning, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. Proficient in managing projects and communicating effectively across diverse teams while adhering to regulatory and quality standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

M.S. In Food ScienceProduct DevelopmentData Collection And AnalysisCross-Functional CollaborationLaboratory Experimentation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Experimental PlanningData AnalysisQuality ImprovementCost Savings InitiativesProduct CommercializationRegulatory ComplianceSOP AdherenceProject ManagementConsumer InsightsReady-To-Drink Product Development

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsTeam BuildingFeedback OpennessRelationship ManagementCommitment To Deliverables

Tools & Technologies

Power BILaboratory EquipmentPilot Plant OperationsDigital ToolsData Analysis Systems

Industry Keywords

Food And Beverage IndustryReady-To-Drink BeveragesCarbonated Soft DrinksConsumer-Driven ProductsGlobal R&D

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Report to a Group Manager on the Product & Sensory team within Global R&D
Support creation of innovative consumer- and customer-driven products/platforms, quality improvements, and cost savings
Lead low-complexity cost-saving projects and line extensions with guidance from managers and senior scientists
Collaborate with Global Satellite labs to translate needs into product design elements meeting consumer, cost, quality, and regulatory requirements
Manage time, prioritize work, align due dates, track work, communicate variances, and implement next steps
Provide accurate data, tracking, samples, and solutions for projects
Plan and execute experiments using established laboratory, pilot plant, and operations methods
Interpret and translate experimental results into solutions
Follow best practices and SOPs and promote process improvements
Communicate schedule updates and efficiency recommendations to managers and team members
Build and maintain relationships across organizational, functional, and geographic boundaries
Participate in team-building activities and broader company and external initiatives
Help further develop ready-to-drink capabilities with cross-functional teams and external agencies
Support product and process creation and commercialization and provide expertise for global category, development, and production strategies

Requirements

What you’ll need

M.S. in Food Science or related field preferred with minimum 1 year experience, or B.S. degree with 2+ years experience
Minimum 2 years work experience in the food and/or beverage industry
Experience in research initiatives preferred; experience with ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages or carbonated soft drinks is a plus
Ability to develop strong cross-functional relationships within R&D and with Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, and other functions
Proficient in planning and performing experiments, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including timely follow-up and commitment to deliverables
Openness to giving and receiving feedback
Desire to help build and maintain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture
Ability to work in the office at least approximately 60% of the time
Ability to travel globally, approximately 5–15%
Ability to work primarily in laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments, including prolonged standing, moving, and carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
Must be able to taste limited quantities of alcoholic beverage samples for evaluation/research needs
Familiarity with systems and data analysis preferred, including Power BI experience
Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and leverage technology and digital tools

Benefits

Comp & perks

Work from home balancing with office work as business needs require
Relocation, immigration, and/or tax compliance support may be offered depending on role requirements and company guidelines
Diverse and inclusive work environment
Opportunities to work with cross-functional teams and external partners
Global travel and project exposure
Professional development through exposure to operations, marketing/business, finance, sourcing, and other partners