Principal Scientist : Portfolio of the Future - Fermentation

PepsiCo; Leicester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global food and beverage company based in Leicester is seeking a Principal Scientist to drive innovations in fermentation. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience and a PhD in a relevant field. This role focuses on developing new fermentation ingredients with a global scope. Candidates must possess strong leadership and analytical skills. Competitive compensation and dynamic work environment are offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years industrial experience with at least 5 years in the food industry.
• Understanding of food fermentation and precision fermentation biotransformation.
• Proven skills in product and process development within an FMCG environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple project activities within the Global Foods program.
• Develop new products that meet market standards.
• Drive decision making within the organization.

Skills

Food fermentation expertise

Project portfolio management

Analytical skills

Collaborative leadership

Problem-solving

Education

PhD in Food Science or related discipline

Job description

Overview

PepsiCo is looking for Principal Scientist: Portfolio of the Future - Fermentation to join R&D team in Leicester, UK.

Job Purpose

In this position you will lead the scoping and development of innovative ingredients within the fermentation space, contributing to the Portfolio of the Future with a global reach and a specific focus on PFNA applications. The Principal Scientist in the Advantaged Ingredient Science Team, part of the Global R&D Function, will drive key workstreams in fermentation capability building. This role requires a high degree of creative technical thinking to deliver business-relevant technical breakthroughs. The successful candidate will leverage an open innovation model, collaborating with suppliers and universities to bring new market executions protected by a robust IP strategy.

Scope:

• Lead the development of new fermentation-based ingredients
• Focus on global applications with a specific emphasis on PFNA.
• Drive key workstreams in building fermentation capabilities.
• Collaborate with external partners, including suppliers and universities, to foster innovation.
• Ensure new market executions are protected by relevant intellectual property strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple project activities within the Global Foods program using a high leveraged open innovation approach.
• Develop new products and process conditions that meet market standards, including consumer acceptance and regulatory compliance.
• Leverage scientific and technical insights to formulate and test hypotheses in collaboration with internal and external SMEs.
• Interpret experimental results to generate development hypotheses and recommendations for future plans.
• Define and execute strategies to manufacture product prototypes and determine development directions.
• Manage a program of experimental studies and trials within PepsiCo and third parties.
• Drive decision making and scientific programs within the organization, sharing feedback and knowledge with stakeholders.
• Identify and collaborate with ingredient and equipment vendors, ensuring IP protection.
• Support clinical research activities, including designing studies, managing trials, and interpreting clinical data.
• Write and communicate internal technical position statements to guide business decisions.

Qualifications

• PhD in Food Science, bioengineering, biochemistry, chemistry, or related discipline.
• At least 10 years industrial experience with 5 years or more in the food industry.
• An understanding of food fermentation, precision fermentation biotransformation would be of benefit.
• Proven skills in project portfolio management and critical experience in product and process development, within FMCG environment, preferably food or beverage.
• Self-starter with strong self-motivation to drive for results in an innovative and inquiring manner.
• Good understanding/appreciation of the broader business environment and application of technical and commercial knowledge during project execution.

Differentiating Competencies Required

• Excellent Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively across all functions of the organization.
• Collaborative Leadership: Ability to inspire and lead both internal teams and external partners, fostering strong partnerships and leveraging a highly collaborative approach. The ability to take others with you both within the internal PepsiCo but also externally when working in partnerships with 3rd parties – given the highly leveraged approach within the role
• Problem-Solving: Ability to tackle complex problems that may not become clear until well into the project, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities to interpret complex data and distill it into useful and actionable information.
• Technical Communication: Ability to explain complex technical issues and solutions to a non-technical audience in an understandable manner.
• High Standards and Innovation: Strives for high standards, seeks innovative solutions, drives continuous improvement of products, processes, or methods, and demonstrates a high degree of intellectual curiosity.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and align technical projects with broader business goals.
• Adaptability:Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and new challenges in a dynamic environment.