Full-time, Fixed Term for 20 months
Closing date: 23:59 22nd June 2026
Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website UK Visas and Immigration Website.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a high‑impact innovation project through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Reading and Yeo Valley Ltd, the UK’s largest organic dairy brand.
You will take ownership of a strategic technical project focused on understanding and mapping biochemical changes in fruit conserves and fruited yogurts over shelf life. Your work will directly inform process innovation, enabling Yeo Valley to:
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Optimise fruit conserve cooking processes
- Improve shelf‑life performance of fruit conserves and fruited yogurts
- Maintain (and enhance) product quality, sustainability, and nutritional value
- Horizon scanning new technology to assist in defining the future of Yeo Valley fruit manufacturing
This role blends applied research, product development, and commercial impact, giving you the chance to see your work translated into real‑world manufacturing practice. You will be employed by the University of Reading but embedded within Yeo Valley’s Food Science team.
Your team
You will be fully supported by an experienced supervisory team from both the University of Reading and Yeo Valley.
University of Reading
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Prof Colette Fagan
- Prof Keshavan Niranjan
- Prof Jane Parker
Yeo Valley
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Peter Ankcorn – Dairy Science Manager
- Amanda Broom – Technical Manager
- Geoff Lucking – Manufacture Manager
- Thierry Neyroud – Operations Director
Day‑to‑day, you’ll collaborate closely with technical, manufacturing, and operations colleagues, gaining exposure to senior decision‑makers and real commercial challenges.
Professional development
Your development is a core part of the KTP programme.
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A dedicated training budget, tailored to your personal and professional goals
- Residential management and leadership skills training
- Opportunities to develop expertise in project management, stakeholder engagement, and innovation delivery
- A strong platform for progressing into senior technical, R&D, or innovation roles in industry or academia
About Yeo Valley
Yeo Valley Ltd is the UK’s largest organic food brand, producing a wide range of sustainable and nutritious yogurt‑based products, including:
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Natural and fruited yogurts
- Drinking yogurts and pouches
- High‑protein strained yogurts
- Soups & granola
Yeo Valley is committed to quality, sustainability, and innovation, making this an exciting environment for food scientists who want their work to make a tangible difference.
https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/
What you’ll bring
Essential qualifications
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A bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical or Biochemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline with 2:1 or above (or equivalent). We will also consider candidates with equivalent relevant experience.
Essential skills and experience
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Strong research skills, with the ability to translate complex data into robust experimental designs and practical business recommendations
- Excellent problem‑solving, analytical thinking, and project planning skills
- Clear understanding of food spoilage mechanisms
- Knowledge of fruit conserve processing, yogurt manufacture, and sensory science
- Understanding of food safety principles and HACCP
- Competency in statistical analysis
- Advanced Excel skills
- Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences
- Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative team environment.
Benefits
We recognise that our people are central to our success and offer a supportive and rewarding working environment.
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Generous annual leave: 25 days plus 8 bank holidays
- Access to Yeo Valley staff shop with discounts
- Strong emphasis on work–life balance from both the University of Reading and Yeo Valley
- Access to university and industry resources, facilities, and professional networks
Contact Name, Job Title and Email address
Alternative Contact Name, Job Title and Email address
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
