R&D Lab Associate Scientist

PepsiCo; Leicester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

PepsiCo is seeking a Physical Science professional in the UK to lead method development and measurement science initiatives across our food manufacturing sites. You will perform physical testing from ingredients to finished products, interpret data, and present findings to diverse audiences.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Food Science with 2+ years in a lab, plus advanced instrumentation knowledge and the ability to collaborate with global colleagues to drive safe,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Food Science or related discipline with 2+ years’ laboratory experience.
• Ability to create and implement practical solutions to test ideas or improve equipment and demonstrates high attention to detail.
• Advanced knowledge in physical science instrumentation through postgraduate study or relevant industrial experience (Rheology, TPA, RVA, DSC, Microscopy, Particle Size, Colour analysis).
• Ability to collaborate with technicians, scientists, managers, stakeholders and global counterparts to achieve business objectives.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Systems and Laboratory Quality Management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead physical science projects to support the portfolio of the future across global sites.
• Coordinate measurement science activities with statistics teams and business stakeholders; deliver clear project plans and milestones.
• Plan, design, execute and report statistically sound experiments with precise timing.
• Perform physical testing from raw ingredients to finished products; develop and refine methods.
• Provide data interpretation and present findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Support horizon scanning to assess new physical science techniques for the business.

Skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration & stakeholder management

Data interpretation

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry or Food Science or related discipline

Postgraduate qualification or relevant industrial experience in physical science instrumentation

Tools

Rheology

Texture Profile Analysis

Rapid Viscosity Analysis

Thermal Analysis (DSC)

Microscopy

Particle Size

Colour analysis

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.