Food Science and Data Engineer – KTP Associate

Pilgrim’s Europe and Queen’s University Belfast are offering an exciting opportunity for a Masters-qualified graduate with expertise in food science, engineering, data analytics, AI or statistics to lead a strategic innovation project within a major food manufacturing business.

The successful candidate will apply advanced data analysis, sensor technologies, predictive modelling and machine learning techniques to improve operational performance and product quality across poultry processing operations.

Working in close collaboration with leading academics from Queen’s University Belfast, the Associate will gain valuable experience delivering a high-profile industry innovation project while benefiting from extensive mentoring and knowledge exchange activities.

The position includes access to a £4,000 training and development budget, formal KTP management training and significant opportunities for professional and career development.

Skills and Experience

• Masters degree in Food Science, Mechanical Engineering, AI/Digitalisation/Data Analytics or Statistics.
• Experience using advanced analytical software such as MATLAB, SPSS or SIMCA.
• Experience assessing and evaluating new technologies.
• Experience working with sensor technologies.
• Completion of a relevant agri-food research project or placement.
• Demonstrable knowledge of data and sensor technologies within the agri-food sector.
• Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

The above criteria are not exhaustive. Candidates should refer to the Candidate Information Booklet for the full list of essential and desirable criteria before applying.

This project will develop a novel AI-enabled platform to optimise processing settings, chilling profiles and pH control across poultry processing operations. The initiative aims to improve tenderness consistency, maximise production yield and throughput, reduce customer complaints and strengthen operational performance across the business.

Employed by Queen’s University Belfast and supported by a team of academic experts, you will be based at Pilgrim’s Europe’s Craigavon and Dungannon sites.

As a KTP Associate, you will lead on the delivery of the following key project stages:

• Literature, Standards and Protocol Review.
• Establishing the Baseline and Variable Analysis.
• Predictive Modelling (Machine Learning & AI).
• Evaluating New Technologies.
• Evaluation of transfer of technologies to a new site within Pilgrim’s Europe Group.
• Training, Embedding and Evaluation.