Dilini Perera
Notting Hill
Summary
Results-driven Food Scientist with expertise in quality assurance, food safety, and process optimization. Strong background in bakery science, food processing, and analytical method development. Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, train staff, and ensure compliance with food quality standards. Passionate about enhancing food safety and efficiency in manufacturing environments.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Ph.D. Researcher/Lab manager
Monash University
02.2022 - Current
- Managed over 5 research groups and ensured compliance with lab safety and quality protocols
- Conducted research on food processing, quality optimization, and agricultural sustainability, with a focus on enhancing product quality through innovative methodologies
- Ensured the application of food safety standards, driving improvements in lab and research processes
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to improve the efficiency and quality of food production techniques
- Collaborated with industry partners to translate research findings into practical applications in food production, processing, and product development
Food Technologist
Ranmik Products
Notting Hill
02.2020 - 06.2021
- Managed and supervised the production of Fruit nectar (mango nectar, wood apple, mixed fruit, etc and ensured compliance with quality standards
- Inspected raw materials and packaging materials, managed inventory, and performed quality assurance of final products
- Developed and updated specifications for raw materials, formulations, and finished products in collaboration with the quality and marketing teams
- Designed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for fruit nectar and milkshake manufacturing processes, equipment handling, cleaning, and sanitation procedures
- Assisted in new product development by defining technical requirements, conducting product trials, and evaluating customer feedback for market readiness
- Formulated and optimized recipes and manufacturing processes for fruit nectar and milkshakes to meet product specifications and consumer preferences
- Conducted label inspections for fruit nectar and milkshake products to ensure regulatory compliance
- Defined physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of raw materials in alignment with internal quality guidelines
- Developed and maintained product specifications, including nutritional information calculations
- Conducted regular sensory and nutritional analyses of fruit nectar and milkshake products, validating processes for food safety and quality assurance
- Ensured product consistency and compliance with internal specifications by working closely with the production team
- Maintained hygiene and sanitation standards in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Provided recommendations on the preservation, processing, packaging, storage, and distribution of fruit nectar and milkshakes
- Conducted inspections of incoming materials, reviewed Certificates of Analysis (CofA), and maintained proper documentation
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by closely monitoring production processes and implementing necessary adjustments.
- Provided guidance on improved quality control measures to increase customer satisfaction.
Quality Assurance Intern
Fonterra
12.2018 - 12.2019
- Conducted physical, chemical, and microbiological analysis of dairy products, including milk powder, UHT milk, flavoured milk, and yoghurt, ensuring compliance with quality and food safety standards
- Performed quality assessments on incoming raw materials and packaging materials, verifying compliance with company specifications
- Assisted in process optimization and water treatment monitoring to maintain production efficiency and product consistency
- Gained hands-on experience in dairy processing operations, including pasteurization, homogenization, fermentation, and packaging of liquid and powdered dairy products
- Supported the quality assurance team in implementing food safety protocols, GMP, HACCP, and ISO standards to maintain high-quality production
- Conducted routine quality checks to monitor product consistency, taste, texture, and shelf-life stability of dairy products
- Maintained and updated quality control documentation, including test results, Certificates of Analysis (CofA), and compliance reports
- Assisted in root cause analysis and corrective actions for non-conforming products, working closely with production teams to resolve quality issues
- Participated in internal audits and regulatory inspections, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensured adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regulatory requirements in collaboration with production teams
Education
Ph.D. - Chemical & Biological Engineering
Monash University
02.2025
BSc (Hons) - Food Science and Technology
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
12.2019
Skills
- Chemical and microbiological testing
- Food Quality & Safety (HACCP, GMP, FSANZ, SQF, BRC)
- Quality Assurance & Compliance Auditing
- Food Microbiology & Risk Assessment
- Bakery & Grain Science
- Process Optimization & Troubleshooting
- Internal Audits & Corrective Action Plans
- Stakeholder Engagement & Team Training
- Analytical Techniques (HPLC, GC, Spectroscopy)
- Data Analysis & Report Compilation
Affiliations
- Member of the Australasian Grain Science Association
- Member of the Cereals & Grains Association
- Member of the Australian Food Engineering Association
Honours Awards
- Australasian Grain Science Association - Student Travel Award (2022, 2024)
- Winner of 3MT (Three-Minute Thesis) - Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (2024)
- Professor W.S. Fernando Gold Medal for Food Chemistry Excellence (2019)
Certifications Publications
- Diploma in Food Safety and Hygiene in Australia - Alison (covering FSANZ standards, HACCP principles, and allergen management)
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in the Food Industry - Alison
- Implementation of HACCP Food Safety System in the Food Processing Industry - Alison
- Food & Beverage Management - Università Bocconi
- Published 10+ peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Food Chemistry and Carbohydrate Polymers on topics including bioactive nutrient retention, starch properties, and bean hydration mechanisms.
- Presented at international conferences, including the Australasian Grain Science Conference (Melbourne) and Cereals & Grains Annual Meetings (Chicago, Illinois).
Visa Condition
Subclass 500 Post graduate research sector, unrestricted, 12/03/26, subclass 485 - Temporary Graduate visa
Timeline
Ph.D. Researcher/Lab manager
Monash University
02.2022 - Current
Food Technologist
Ranmik Products
02.2020 - 06.2021
Quality Assurance Intern
Fonterra
12.2018 - 12.2019
Ph.D. - Chemical & Biological Engineering
Monash University
BSc (Hons) - Food Science and Technology
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Similar Profiles
Karin KeylockKarin Keylock
EAssessment AAA Team Lead at Monash UniversityEAssessment AAA Team Lead at Monash University
Minghui ZhangMinghui Zhang
O-Week Volunteer at Monash UniversityO-Week Volunteer at Monash University
Robby SoehartoRobby Soeharto
Team Leader - Special Projects (Indonesia and The Philippines) at Monash UniversityTeam Leader - Special Projects (Indonesia and The Philippines) at Monash University