R&D Front-end Qualitative Scientist

*Candidates can be based in Plano, TX OR Valhalla, NY*

Using front end Qualitative research and Sensory Science to Innovating breakthrough products
that make consumers’ lives better!

The research and development work performed at PepsiCo changes the world, quite literally! Our
teams of scientists, technologists, and engineers are breaking new ground every day to make a positive
and visible effect on consumer health and our planet.
We’re leading the way in developing what’s next, not only being one step ahead of consumer demand,
but also raising the bar on responsibility by collaborating upstream with the sales, marketing, supply
chain and sustainability departments.
As a front-end sensory researcher, you will be helping to guide these teams into thinking differently!

Ultimately, our goal is to make a global impact led by purpose. At PepsiCo, you’ll be making a
difference in society while advancing the interests of our communities and planet, helping reshape the
future by delivering innovative products in categories of not only beverages, but also snacks, nutrition
and sustainability—staying one step ahead of consumer demand while raising the bar on responsibility.
In fact, we lead the industry in commitments to sustainability and nutrition, we’re designing 100% of our
packaging to be recyclable, compostable or biodegradable by 2025, removing added sugars from our
beverage portfolio (67% of the portfolio will have less than 100 calories from sugar by 2025) and
reducing sodium across our food portfolio (75% of the portfolio will not exceed 1.3 milligrams of sodium
per calorie by 2025).
As part of the Sensory and Consumer Product Insights team, and specifically in the front end of
Innovation, you will get the opportunity to work more closely with consumers so you can guide R&D
around key tensions that should be addressed. You will help to translate these learnings into product
attributes that will be critical in helping our product developers find solutions to pursue! This is a great
collaborative role within R&D, as well as across other insights functions across the organization (i.e.
Design, Consumer Insights).

• Conduct qualitative sensory and consumer research in support of innovation product development and other research initiatives. The Qualitative Researcher will work independently with R&D, business teams and suppliers to design and conduct appropriate research to build learning and advance knowledge of product innovation and meet the business objectives.

• Specifically, the scientist will design front end research plans, determine appropriate research methodologies, coordinate tests, execute them, analyze and interpret experimental data, provide technical recommendations, and report results orally, and written.

• 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.

#LI-USA

Qualifications/Requirements

• MS or Ph.D.: Sensory or Consumer Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or Design Thinking

• Minimum of 5-9 years (MS) as a Qualitative Researcher in a Sensory & Consumer Research position within a major consumer packaged goods company in the front-end research space

• Certified Trained Facilitator/Moderator of Qualitative Research Techniques

• Experience in global organization welcomed but not required

• Strong knowledge of qualitative consumer research fundamentals, and ability to apply qualitative research techniques for new and existing products 

• Knowledge of design thinking process 

• Independently lead and manage multiple projects 

• Interpret qualitative data 

• Write clear and comprehensive reports 

Relocation Eligible: Not Eligible for 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.