R&D Laboratory Associate Scientist

PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH; Leicester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational food company in Leicester is seeking a Physical Scientist to perform analytical measurements and manage the day-to-day laboratory operations. The ideal candidate has relevant science qualifications and industrial experience in physical characterization techniques such as rheology and thermal analysis. Responsibilities include managing sample bookings, running tests, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. This role offers an opportunity for continuous improvement in a collaborative R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years industrial experience.
• Experience in development and application of physical characterization techniques.
• Ability to create and implement practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical measurements for product evaluation.
• Manage sample bookings and analyze test results.
• Ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.

Skills

Rheology

Thermal Analysis

Microscopy

Attention to detail

Technical communication

Analytical skills

Education

Relevant Science qualification

Job description

Overview

Beaumont Park (Leicester) Physical science team is part of Beaumont Park measurement science and deals with physical testing including rheology, powder rheology, thermal analysis, and microscopy. The position reports to the Measurement Science Beaumont Park R&D Physical Science lead. The role is focused on supporting the day-to-day laboratory operations for core simple and complex testing to evaluate physical properties of raw ingredients, intermediate and finished products.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical measurements across the PepsiCo product portfolio ranging from raw material ingredients to finished products, understanding the processes and the ability to develop and refine analytical methods.
• Booking in of samples for analytical testing and review test results and entry onto Labvantage.
• Complete relevant method and instrument quality checks as required.
• Responsibility for equipment calibration and maintenance schedule for the lab on instrumentation associated with relevant analyses.
• Generation of relevant reports generated from Labvantage for core simple and complex analyses. Be responsible for the delivery of complex written customer reports as appropriate.
• Troubleshoots technical issues relating to laboratory analysis on both core simple & complex tests, carrying out maintenance as required. Arrange service visits for relevant equipment as necessary.
• Completes relevant tasks within the lab to ensure it is a clean and safe environment to work in.
• Ensure that all required stock is managed and ordered in a timely manner to enable smooth flow of workload.
• Lead workflow on projects/validation and ensure key deliverables are met with the relevant teams.
• Liaise with relevant partners within R&D regarding testing updates, project requirements as required. Deliver technical insights to relevant partners on a case-by-case basis.
• Collaborate with the wider R&D team to understand key analytical programs / projects that are on the horizon.
• Support Analytical Administrator in the management of external testing and the reporting of results from external laboratories.
• Work with the team and Laboratory Manager to ensure compliance to Quality Management System, as well as ISO17025 requirements and accreditation body requirements.
• Participate and demonstrate competency in proficiency testing schemes and ensure adequate follow up to the results recovered.
• Demonstrate adherence to site Health & Safety and Good Laboratory Practice policies and procedures. Support specific lab activities such as COSHH assessments, permit writers and others as needed.
• To collaborate with the leadership team to ensure that Capex planning is completed and delivered as required.

Qualifications

• Relevant Science qualification and minimum of 2 years industrial experience.
• Relevant industrial experience in the development and application of a range of physical characterization techniques such as:
• • Rheology, Tribology, Texture Profile Analysis, Rapid Viscosity Analysis.
  • Thermal Analysis (DSC, TGA, TMA).
  • Microscopy/Microanalysis.
  • Particle Size.
• Must be a self-starter, self-motivated, flexible, and adaptable.
• Ability to create and implement practical solutions to test ideas or improve equipment and demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail.
• Experience interacting with customers from various cultural backgrounds and many levels of the organization.
• Strives for high standards, seeks innovative solutions, drives continuous improvement, and demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail.
• Good technical, communication & analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and distil into useful & actionable information.
• Interest in up and coming technology.