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Research & Innovation

Research & Innovation Graduate Trainee

  • South Africa
  • Johannesburg
  • On-site
  • Posted: 26 Aug 2026
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Research & Innovation Graduate Trainee

About the job

At Danone, everyone is encouraged to learn, grow, and challenge the status quo. As part of the R&I team, you will gain hands-on experience across product and packaging development, working on both innovation and renovation projects within Fresh Dairy and UHT categories.

 

General Responsibilities:
• Participate in cross-functional rotations every 3–6 months.
• Support operational and strategic projects within each department.
• Analyse data and contribute to process improvements.
• Collaborate with teams to solve real business challenges.
• Attend training sessions and development workshops.
• Present learnings and recommendations to senior management.

 

FUNCTION-SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: RESEARCH & INNOVATION


Product Development (Fresh Dairy & UHT)
• Support the development and optimisation of yoghurt, desserts, and UHT products.
• Assist with recipe formulation, ingredient evaluation, and product benchmarking.
• Participate in sensory evaluations and shelf-life studies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver consumer-centric solutions.
• Analyse technical, sensory, and product performance data to support decision-making.

 

Packaging Development
• Support the development, qualification, testing, and validation of packaging solutions for dairy products.
• Gain exposure to different packaging materials and formats, including primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging.
• Assist with factory trials, product-packaging compatibility assessments, and performance checks, documenting key observations, risks, and outcomes.
• Support packaging specifications, artwork reviews, colour standards, compliance requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to identify opportunities for cost optimisation, material efficiency, recyclability, and sustainable packaging improvements.


Industrialisation & Innovation Projects
• Support the scale-up of new products from laboratory development to factory implementation.
• Participate in factory trials and process validation activities.
• Assist with troubleshooting and optimisation during product launches.
• Support project management activities to ensure timely delivery of innovation and renovation projects.


Documentation Management
• Support the creation and maintenance of specifications.
• Gain exposure to specification management across raw materials, packaging, recipes, processing and finished products.
• Support data quality, harmonisation and digitalisation initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate and compliant specifications.

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About you

We are looking for graduates who are passionate about innovation, product development and bringing health through food to as many people as possible.


Qualification(s):
• Bachelor's degree/Diploma in Food Science, Food Technology, Biotechnology, or a related field.


Skills & Competencies:
• Strong academic track record.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Curiosity and a passion for innovation within the food industry.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail and an eagerness to learn.
• Willingness to work in both factory and office environments, supporting product development from concept through to implementation.

 

About Danone

We offer:
• A structured 24-month development programme within Research & Innovation.
• Hands-on experience in product development, packaging development, industrialisation, and factory trials.
• Opportunities to work with cross-functional teams including Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Marketing.
• Coaching, mentorship, and continuous learning opportunities.
The chance to contribute to products that bring health through food to as many people as possible.

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