R&D Principal Scientist - Physiology and Health Functional Benefits Research

This role may be located in Valhalla, NY or Chicago, IL or Plano, TX

#Locations: Valhalla, NY; Chicago, IL; Plano, Texas

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!

PepsiCo Life Sciences (LS) Organization is central to the Company’s commitment to charting a new course to drive positive action for the planet and people. We are seeking a Principal Scientist to lead the Functional Benefits Research Program focused on delivering physiology and health benefits that are human-centric. In this role you will have the unique opportunity to lead efforts across the Food and Beverage portfolio for the global LS Science and Technology team to shape the agenda of how we deliver functional benefits for our consumers. You will also be our thought leader on advancing out tools and technology for Functional Benefits with AI and ML. This position will engage and work closely with R&D functions and business teams to drive competitive advantage for the PepsiCo portfolio of the future.

• Lead the functional ingredient program for the Life Sciences Physiology & Health team to deliver faster ingredient reviews for delivery on business requests, stronger scientific substantiation of ingredients and claims and better processes and systems to support the program.
• Take ownership of LS Functional Ingredient tools. Evaluate, propose, align and deliver updated systems utilizing AI and ML to drive efficiency with accuracy.
• Evaluate, translate, or create scientific data in response to fulfilling unmet consumer need for functional benefits in food and beverage products and collaborate with the Food and Beverage category R&D leaders to land these benefits in products.
• Build strong partnership with R&D functions, supporting the integration of key functional benefit roadmaps (e.g. gut health and metabolic health) with consumer-centric benefits to effectively and impactfully communicate an E2E benefit roadmap from science to consumer.
• Work collaboratively with other Life Sciences teams on digital and consumer facing work to deliver on the organization's needs.
• When needed, execute programs and projects on aligned roadmaps by leading cross functional teams

Compensation and Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $106,400 - $178,100.
• 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 12% 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.

• PhD required in Nutrition Sciences or related disciplines
• 5-7 years of experience in nutrition / life sciences or closely related fields in CPG
• Prior experience within the food industry, ideally with claims substantiation, developing innovation agenda and translating science to non-scientists.
• Proficient (expert preferred) in digital tools, AI, ML, and data science to lead collaborative efforts on solutions for data management and tools upgrades.
• Use scientific technical expertise for identification and evaluation of trends/innovations in nutrition science.
• Demonstrated understanding of human nutrition; nutrient requirements and recommendations; scientific information gathering, synthesis, and communication; and research interpretation.
• Leadership of cross functional teams and ability to work and communicate efficiently in a matrixed organization.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to simultaneously lead and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility and ability to work with diverse cultural backgrounds, personalities, work styles across various levels of the organization
• Proven ability to translate and communicate, both written and oral, with business partners regarding complex scientific topics.
• Willingness and flexibility to pivot and explore new scientific areas as business needs evolve.

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.

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

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement d ocuments. View PepsiCo EEO Policy .

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