Overview

As an L07 R&D Scientist in the PepsiCo Food Safety Center of Excellence, this role will leverage expertise in microbiology and foundational knowledge of Food Safety to support the design, deployment and execution of Food Safety Programs, Research, and supporting documentation. Further, within the capacity of an L07 R&D Scientist, the incumbent will enhance their skill set by providing technical guidance supporting product development innovation and related manufacturing operations. This position requires benchtop support for the analysis of microbiological challenge studies and R&D consumer test samples, spanning beverages, foods, and ingredients, as well as assisting in the validation of laboratory and pilot scale equipment. This role will also have Data Steward responsibilities which will include Microbiological Method Change Requests and Digitized Master Reference List maintenance.

• Provide support for product innovation and supply chain operation: Assess food safety risks and develop proposals and strategies of executing recommended process, program, and procedural improvements to support the mitigation and control of hazards and contaminants, through consultation of existing food safety program and global manuals
• Improve, deploy, and execute PepsiCo food safety programs including Food Safety/HACCP Plans, Pathogen Environmental Program, sanitation, allergen program, physical hazards, water reuse, etc.
• Provides Data Steward oversight of Micro Methods Change Requests, Master Reference List updates and Controlled Documentation upkeep
• Conduct (or coordinate) microbiological testing of challenge studies
• Ensures routine R&D samples are tested within window of acceptable turn-around-times
• Assists with equipment validation of laboratory or pilot scale equipment
• 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

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $72,900 - $122,100.
• Location, confirmed job-related skills and experience 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 5% 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.

• BS/MS in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology or other closely related technical field
• This individual must have minimum 5 years hands-on Micro lab experience and laboratory skills required to provide effective/ efficient support and to work safely
• Direct experience in food safety, pathogen environmental monitoring, food microbiology, or sanitation in food manufacturing is a plus.
• PCQI certification or good understanding of food safety hazard assessment is a plus.
• 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
• Must demonstrate consistent and reliable communication with various stakeholder groups, internal and external to PepsiCo.
• Self-starter able to work independently and within cross functional teams.
• Takes initiative to introduce fresh concepts to the team or organization, fostering innovation to enhance the work environment, optimize laboratory workflows, and strengthen safety measures.