R&D Associate Principal Scientist

Associate Principal Scientist for the Global Beverage Ingredient Science & Technology (S&T) – Develops, leads, and conducts research for applications programs to identify and validate new ingredient and formulation technologies that drive advantage across the global Beverage portfolio. 

Key Accountabilities 

• Research program leader for the technical evaluation of functional ingredients and formulation technologies for the Beverage portfolio (Energy, Sports and Fitness, Hydration, and CSD).
• Conducts hands-on applications testing at both the bench and in pilot plant leveraging experimental design.
• Focus on building foundational science and supports IP strategy for functional ingredients
• Supports interaction and linkage to key S&T programs between Beverage categories to ensure program alignment and technology transfer to Regional teams.
• Identifies and leverages external partners to source new ingredients and technologies. Assesses technology applicability in Beverage products and delivers proven solutions to product development teams. 
• Creates, oversees and executes research programs to deliver technical solutions to improve the nutrition and performance of Beverage products, leveraging strong expertise in food physical chemistry and food ingredient functionality.
• Initiates and leads communication venues with global R&D peers to transfer & implement new technologies for global teams.
• Primary accountability will be focused on establishing and driving new research focused on botanicals and functional benefit ingredients that includes – model formula application, identify technical unlocks for beverage compatibility, shelf -stability validation and sensory assessment. Will work closely with S&T technical pillar team members in identifying holistic ingredient formulation solutions, and transfer the same to product development for landing zone opportunities. 
• Demonstrates technology applicability and potential, leveraging protocept development and presentations for technical and non-technical audiences
• Leverages strong partnerships with external and internal experts (analytical, sensory, academia) to resolve key technical challenges 
• Performs basic economic evaluations on ingredients, ingredients suppliers, and product formulations to assess viability
• Participate as an active member of cross-functional teams comprised of individuals from a variety of disciplines, including Product Development, Regulatory, Legal, Marketing, Purchasing, Engineering and other groups.
• COVID-19 vaccination is a condition of employment for this role. Please note that all such company vaccine requirements provide the opportunity to request an approved accommodation or exemption under applicable law

Qualifications/Requirements

• MS Food Science & Technology / Food Chemistry /Chemical Engg or related field (PhD preferred)
• 4+ yrs of experience in the Food and Beverage, Industry or related area
• Proven expertise in utilization of scientific method and critical thinking to drive robust research programs and deliver results
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, carbohydrates, powders, product formulation and development, ingredient technology, food safety and quality systems.
• Prefer working knowledge of – botanicals adaptogens, bioactive peptides, 
• Functional knowledge of analytical test methodologies and data interpretation
• Proven ability to make significant technical scientific advances utilizing internal and/or external resources. 
• Demonstrated fundamental understanding of the incorporation of business need into technical programs
• Detail-oriented individual with proven ability to independently lead multiple projects and work streams simultaneously, leveraging project management tools.
• Self-starter with good oral and written communication and presentation skills, the ability to work with various personalities and work styles, and proven influence management skills. 
• Strong personal leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional and global teams. 
• Positive learner--highly creative individual with desire to gain and apply knowledge to new products.
• Ability to travel when needed

Relocation Eligible: Eligible for Limited Relocation
Job Type: Regular


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901 - 4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.