Senior Scientist (Data Science & Chemometrics)

Job Title: Data Science & Chemometrics (Senior Scientist)
Location: Midleton, Ireland preferred / Ireland-based role to be confirmed
Reporting to: Global Research, Sensory and Analytical Sciences Director
Location: Midleton County Cork

About Us

Pernod Ricard’s Gold Brand Unit is the Group’s Aged Spirits & Champagne division, bringing together the prestigious portfolios of Irish Distillers, Chivas Brothers, Martell Mumm Perrier‑Jouët and North American Distillers. With a global team operating across over 40 sites, and brands spanning Irish, Scotch and American Whisk(e)y, Cognac, Champagne and wine, the division unites exceptional craftsmanship and deep expertise across iconic terroirs in Ireland, Scotland, France and North America. Its portfolio, rooted in heritage and provenance, embodies Pernod Ricard’s commitment to excellence from Premium to Ultra‑Prestige, delivering some of the world’s most celebrated and enduring spirits and champagnes.

Role Purpose

The Senior Scientist – Data Science & Chemometrics will be responsible for applying advanced statistical analysis, chemometrics, machine learning and predictive modelling to complex analytical, sensory, process and research datasets. The role will support innovation, product development, quality optimisation, process understanding and scientific research across the global spirits portfolio.

Working closely with Analytical Sciences, Sensory Science, Applied Research, Digital & Data teams and wider R&D stakeholders, the role will develop data-driven approaches that connect chemical composition, sensory perception, production parameters and product performance to improve decision-making and accelerate innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Data Science & Chemometric Modelling

• Develop, validate and deploy chemometric, statistical and machine learning models to generate insights from analytical, sensory, process and consumer datasets.

• Build predictive and explanatory models linking chemical composition, production parameters, maturation conditions and sensory attributes to quality, consumer preference and product performance.

• Apply advanced multivariate statistical techniques, including PCA, PLS, cluster analysis, Design of Experiments, mixed models, regression, classification methods and model validation.

• Apply multivariate data analysis and statistical process control techniques to manufacturing process data.

• Identify chemical, process and sensory drivers of product differentiation, quality outcomes, stability, authenticity and consumer-relevant characteristics.

• Act as subject matter expert for chemometrics and advanced data analytics, providing scientific guidance to multidisciplinary project teams.

Sensory & Analytical Insights

• Integrate sensory, analytical, process, formulation and consumer data into structured insight frameworks to support product understanding and evidence-based decision-making.

• Develop models that predict sensory perception and product behaviour from analytical measurements.

• Support descriptive sensory analysis, consumer research, technical product profiling and benchmarking studies through robust statistical analysis.

• Translate complex statistical outputs into clear scientific narratives, practical recommendations and actionable insights for R&D, Quality, Operations and brand-facing stakeholders.

Research & Innovation Support

• Partner with Applied Research, Analytical Sciences, Sensory Science and Technical Platforms to improve understanding of the chemical, sensory and process mechanisms that influence spirit character, quality and performance.

• Apply chemometrics, statistical and predictive modelling approaches to research programmes in ageing and maturation, fermentation, flavour development, product renovation and new product innovation.

• Design and analyse experiments to identify key drivers of product differentiation, process impact, maturation behaviour, stability and sensory perception.

• Translate analytical, sensory and process data into scientific hypotheses, actionable insights and practical recommendations for innovation and technical decision-making.

Digital Transformation & Data Strategy

• Support the integration and effective use of digital platforms including LIMS, ELN, Compusense and process/manufacturing databases.

• Define best practices for data quality, structure, traceability, visualisation, statistical analysis, model governance and knowledge management.

• Contribute to AI-enabled R&D capabilities through advanced modelling, knowledge extraction and integration of analytical, sensory and process data.

• Promote consistent data practices across teams and sites to improve comparability, reproducibility and long-term value creation from scientific data.

Data Visualisation & Communication

• Develop dashboards, visualisation tools and reporting approaches that make complex statistical and scientific results accessible to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Translate modelling outputs into clear narratives, business-relevant conclusions and practical recommendations for R&D, Quality, Operations and innovation teams.

• Communicate scientific findings through presentations, reports, technical discussions and stakeholder engagement.

• Train and support scientists in statistical thinking, data interpretation and effective use of data visualisation tools.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• PhD, or equivalent experience, in Chemometrics, Data Science, Statistics, Analytical Chemistry, Food Science or a related discipline.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience applying chemometric and statistical methods in food, beverage, consumer goods, life sciences, pharmaceuticals or a related industry.

• Experience working with complex multivariate datasets.

• Experience translating scientific data into business insights.

Required Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of multivariate statistics, chemometrics, predictive modelling, experimental design and data visualisation.

• Experience using data processing, analysis and visualisation tools such as Python, Power BI, MATLAB, R or SIMCA.

• Ability to work with chemical data from techniques such as GC-MS, LC-MS, HPLC, ICP and FTIR.

• Experience working with sensory descriptive analysis data, consumer research data, product quality data, manufacturing data, shelf-life data or stability data.

• Ability to work cross-functionally across R&D, Sensory, Quality and Operations.

Preferred Experience

• Experience writing scientific papers, posters or delivering oral presentations.

• Experience developing predictive models that support innovation, product development or quality decision-making.

• Experience contributing to data-driven research methodologies or digital R&D capability development.

What we offer

We understand our people are our special ingredient and at different points, employees require different supports at different stages of their working lives. Our benefits, perks and programmes look to support your employee journey. We want to make you feel recognised and valued for your contribution to our shared success. Some of offerings include;

• Profit share; - An annual profit share scheme to reward your contribution to the company’s success.
• Allowance; an annual allowance to spend on our portfolio of products and merchandise, for you to enjoy responsibly.
• People Development: We enable continuous development for our people at every stage of their careers through our people development, online learning, and leadership training programmes.
• Family leave: fully paid maternity, parent and paternity leave, allowing you spend precious time with your new family member
• Parental Support: Our ‘Reconnect’ programme includes access to a workplace parenting coach, a phased return to work and a supportive environment for new parents
• Health & Wellbeing; Our Wellbeing Programme “THRIVE” supports employees across the three main pillars: Life, Body and Mind

• Charity Days: up to 2 days paid leave every year to volunteer at a charity of their choice

At Irish Distillers, we know that great spirits are crafted by blending unique ingredients, and we believe the same is true for people. We actively welcome individuals from all walks of life, and warmly welcome those with diverse religious backgrounds, ethnicities , members of the Irish Travelling community, genders, abilities, and identities. It’s the mix of our experiences, voices, and cultures that gives us our true character.”

Learn more about working with Irish Distillers, a Pernod Ricard Company – www.irishdistillers.ie/careers

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