R&D Lab Associate Scientist

PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH; Leicester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH is seeking a technically minded Physical Science professional to lead method development and innovation at our UK manufacturing sites. The role focuses on safer, more sustainable testing and processes across the product portfolio, from raw ingredients to finished goods.

You will design experiments, analyze data, train colleagues, and collaborate with global teams to deliver practical solutions and robust quality controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Food Science, or related discipline with 2+ years in a lab.
• Ability to create practical solutions to test ideas or improve equipment.
• Knowledge of rheology, texture analysis, and rapid viscosity analysis.
• Experience with thermal analysis (DSC), microscopy, particle size, and color analysis.
• Ability to collaborate with technicians, scientists, managers and global counterparts.

Responsibilities

• Lead physical science projects to support Portfolio of the future with global stakeholders.
• Plan, design, execute and report statistically sound experiments.
• Perform physical testing across the product portfolio from raw ingredients to finished products.
• Provide data interpretation and present findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Deliver training and contribute to method development and best practice tools.
• Ensure compliance with Lab Quality Management System and safety policies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Lab techniques

Statistical analysis

Project planning

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Food Science, or related discipline

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Overview

At PepsiCo, you'll find the opportunity to grow your career, make an impact, and help shape what's next. As one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, our beloved brands - including Gatorade, Lay's, and Quaker - help create smiles with every sip and bite. Behind our products is a connected system that starts with how we source and grow ingredients alongside farmers and extends to how we make, move, and deliver products while driving positive impact for our business and communities.

The main objective of this role is to lead Physical Science innovation and method development projects that are simpler, safer and more environmentally sustainable for our food manufacturing sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead physical science projects that are focused on supporting Portfolio of the future, working with global
• Measurement Science, statistics team and key business stakeholders to align on project design and ensure the delivery of clear project plans, clear milestones and regular project updates. (D,C,E)
• Provide input to enable generation of hypotheses and conduct sound project research—Plan, design, execute and report statistically sound experiments in a precise and timely manner. (E)
• Perform Physical testing across the PepsiCo product portfolio, ranging from raw ingredients to finished products, understanding the processes, and be able to develop and refine methods.
• Work with manager to ensure resources are managed across multiple projects and routine testing requirements. (C, E)
• Provide data interpretation and reporting of experimental results and present findings to scientific and non-scientific audience. (E)
• Support horizon scanning activities and help to assess new physical science techniques for the business, providing technical input as needed, reporting key findings back to the business for further evaluation (D, E)
• Apply knowledge of the core discipline to provide input into Method Development, Best Practice tool development and identification and enhancements of training requirements. (C, E)
• Deliver training in the respective discipline in support of physical science and capability build. (E)
• Comply to PepsiCo Lab Quality Management System through the development adherence and maintenance of procedures and policies for their respective areas (Operating Procedures Calibration Audits, GLP & safety proficiencies) (E)
• Demonstrate adherence to the site Health & Safety and Good Laboratory Practice policies and procedures. Support specific lab activities such as COSHH assessments, permit writers and others as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Food Science, or related discipline with 2+ years' experience in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to create and implement practical solutions to test ideas or improve equipment and demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail.
• Advanced knowledge i.e. postgraduate qualification or relevant industrial experience in the development and application of a broad range of Physical science instrumentation in an industrial R&D or academic research environment including:
  • Rheology, Texture Profile Analysis, Rapid Viscosity Analysis
  • Thermal Analysis (DSC)
  • Microscopy
  • Particle Size
  • Colour analysis
• Ability to collaborate and build relationships with technicians, scientists, managers, stakeholders and global counterparts to achieve business objectives.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Systems understanding of Laboratory Quality Management systems.