Food Scientist - New Product Development

Overview

O Brother Brewing is seeking a dedicated Food Scientist / Technologist to serve as the technical cornerstone for both its craft beer and functional beverage programs. The role demands enthusiasm for both lab-based analysis and hands-on brewery work, combining in-depth ingredient knowledge, sensory precision, and regulatory compliance to support the company’s growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead new product development by converting concept briefs into trial recipes, pilot batches, and finalized products across craft beer and functional beverages.
• Source, test, and validate new ingredients, managing a comprehensive ingredient library and maintaining technical supplier relationships.
• Translate creative goals into feasible formulations, providing clear feedback about feasibility timelines.
• Maintain and uphold the HACCP plan for brewing, taproom, and functional beverage operations, acting as the primary technical contact for food safety authorities.
• Manage labelling compliance including nutritional declarations, allergen information, and EU food regulation adherence.
• Ensure ongoing audit readiness by overseeing retail technical audits, foodservice supplier onboarding, and certification processes (BRCGS/ISO).
• Operate and enhance in-house analytical testing (pH, gravity, dissolved oxygen, microbiology, sensory), overseeing quality control across all production phases.
• Administer shelf-life programs including stability studies for canned products.
• Develop sensory evaluation protocols and maintain an internal tasting panel to ensure consistent product quality.
• Serve as the technical liaison in cross-departmental meetings to align commercial, operational, and venue teams with product realities.
• Lead technical submissions and sample coordination for new retail and foodservice product listings.

Candidate Profile

• A scientifically curious professional with foundational expertise in beverage chemistry, fermentation, and shelf-life science.
• Experienced process developer with a passion for building and sustaining quality management systems like HACCP and SOPs that support scalable operations.
• Hands-on practitioner comfortable with brewery floor operations and regulatory documentation.
• At least three years’ experience in food, beverage, or brewing production, with strong familiarity with FSAI regulations, EU 1169/2011, and Irish/EU labelling standards.
• Possesses formal tertiary qualifications in Food Science, Food Technology, Brewing Science, Biochemistry, or related fields; HACCP Level 3 (minimum) certified.
• Excellent communicator capable of explaining technical concepts clearly to diverse internal teams.
• Detail-oriented and committed to completing initiatives thoroughly, including training and auditing procedures.

What the Role Offers

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and technical skill.
• Direct collaboration with company founders and senior teams, with impactful decision-making responsibilities.
• Monthly staff allowance and generous discounts on the company’s beer and beverage products.
• Paid leave for community volunteering efforts.
• Participation in a bike-to-work scheme.
• Work location in scenic Belmont Demesne, Bray, County Wicklow, with reliable daily commute required and some hybrid work flexibility possible.