Senior Scientist Microbiologist

Overview

PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader operating in more than 200 countries and territories with a product portfolio that includes 22 world-famous, billion-dollar brands. From Gatorade to Quaker, LIFEWTR to Lay’s, we make hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved throughout the world.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to be the global leader in convenient foods and beverages by Winning with Purpose. “Winning with Purpose” reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and embed purpose into all aspects of the business.

Our employees drive our culture. No two days are the same; we’re dynamic and full of passionate teams embracing new ideas through our collaborative spirit. At PepsiCo, what makes you unique, makes us better!

As a R&D Senior Scientist, the primary responsibility for this role will be to lead research and establish scientific basis to expand the application of Natural Preservatives in Beverages and Foods.

The Sr. Scientist will consult with Product Development to understand process and product attributes, identify the appropriate natural or chemical preservation system, design and execute challenge studies to confirm efficacy and communicate final preservative system specifications to Product Development.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute microbiological challenge studies to verify appropriate natural or chemical preservative systems for application in both Beverage and Food products.
• Work with the current Micro Preservation team to evaluate efficacy and applicability of available natural preservative options for Beverages and Foods.
• Conduct testing and data assessment that enables the development of preservation models for new and existing preservatives.
• Preparation and maintenance of microbiological media and reagents.
• Maintenance of the R&D Microbiology culture collection.
• Collaborate with global functional teams to drive Winning with Purpose and our Faster, Stronger, Better agendas related to food safety and quality/Pathogen Environmental Monitoring/PepsiCo approved Laboratories/Methods Governance.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $84,000 - $140,650.
• Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
• Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 8% of annual salary paid out annually.
• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Qualifications

• MS/PhD in Food Science, Microbiology or other related technical field.
• Minimum 0-4+ (PhD 0+, MS 3-4+) years of Microbiology/Food Safety in Operations, Quality or R&D with previous work with preservative systems.
• This individual must have hands-on laboratory skills required to provide effective/efficient support and to work safely.
• This individual must have basic project management skills. Previous experience in documentation creation and upkeep is desired.
• Developing SME in Microbiology, Food Safety, Pathogen Environmental Monitoring, Microbiological Test Methods, Ingredient Specifications, Finished Product Testing.
• Drive agendas to meet business timelines; successfully handle adverse circumstances.
• Achieve quality results consistently despite obstacles. Monitors progress against goals, identifies issues and takes corrective action early.
• Contributes to building an inclusive environment and positive work culture within the R&D Microbiology team.