Chief Toxicology & Safety Strategy Lead

PepsiCo; Purchase (NY); On-site; USD 157,000 - 312,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term incentive

Paid time off

Benefits package

Car allowance

Job summary

PepsiCo seeks a senior toxicology expert to lead North America and LATAM safety assessments for ingredients, packaging, and products. You will drive external scientific affairs, advocate for risk-based decisions, and mentor the team in translating complex science for executives and regulators.

You will shape strategic toxicology directions in collaboration with global R&D, ensuring consumer safety and regulatory readiness while fostering innovation across beverage and food platforms.

Qualifications

• PhD in Toxicology or Master’s with significant relevant experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively senior experience in toxicology and risk assessment in food/beverage/related industries.
• Recognized technical expertise in toxicological risk assessment, weight-of-evidence, exposure assessment.
• Represent the company in external forums with credibility and influence.
• Strong ability to build trusted networks with industry authorities, regulators, academics, NGOs.
• Experience with safety assessment of ingredients, FCMs, contaminants, pesticides, and product safety topics.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication to translate complex toxicology concepts for diverse audiences.
• Understanding of US regulatory frameworks for risk assessment and product safety.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior toxicology expert for North America and LATAM, guiding ingredient and product safety.
• Lead external scientific affairs and advocacy strategies across the Americas.
• Develop scientific strategies enabling safe innovation with new ingredients and technologies.
• Provide post-market support with rapid, balanced scientific assessments.
• Coordinate with regional/global teams on horizon scanning and proactive responses.
• Monitor literature and lead toxicology risk assessment programs for leadership.
• Coach and elevate the team’s toxicology capabilities and external engagement.
• Help shape and deliver the global Scientific Affairs strategy within R&D priorities.

Skills

Toxicology expertise

Risk assessment

Regulatory knowledge

Scientific communication

Stakeholder engagement

Networking

Education

PhD in Toxicology

Master’s degree with relevant experience

Job description

PepsiCo seeks a senior toxicology expert to lead North America and LATAM safety assessments for ingredients, packaging, and products. You will drive external scientific affairs, advocate for risk-based decisions, and mentor the team in translating complex science for executives and regulators.

You will shape strategic toxicology directions in collaboration with global R&D, ensuring consumer safety and regulatory readiness while fostering innovation across beverage and food platforms.