R&D Principal Scientist - Biotransformation

PepsiCo; Leicester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global food and beverage company in Leicester is seeking an R&D Principal Scientist specializing in biotransformation and gut health. The role involves leading innovative ingredient development and driving fermentation capabilities, while collaborating with external partners. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Food Science and has extensive experience in developing functional ingredients and products. This position offers a challenging and dynamic environment focused on innovation.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of industrial experience with 5 years in the food industry.
• Technical understanding of functional health and gut microbiomes.
• Self-starter with strong motivation.

Responsibilities

• Lead project activities within the Global Foods program using open innovation.
• Develop new products and process conditions meeting market standards.
• Manage experimental studies and trials.

Skills

Experience developing functional ingredients/products

Strong skills in project portfolio management

Excellent interpersonal skills

Collaborative leadership

Education

PhD in Food Science or related discipline

Job description

Overview

PepsiCo has an opportunity for R&D Principal Scientist - Biotransformation Gut Health to join in Leicester, UK.

Objective: In this new 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.

Purpose: As Principal Scientist in the Advantaged Ingredient Science Team, part of the Global R&D Function, you 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 for the Portfolio of the Future.
• Focus on ingredients that are relevant to the functional space with an emphasis on healthy gut microbiome.
• Focus on global applications with a specific emphasis on PFNA.
• Drive key workstreams in building fermentation capabilities with focus on functional space with an emphasis on healthy gut microbiome.
• 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.
• Experience developing functional ingredients / products.
• Technical understanding of functional health and gut microbiomes would be of benefit.
• At least 10 years industrial experience with 5 years or more in the food industry.
• An understanding of food biotransformation would be of benefit.
• Strong 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.