Research & Development Industrial Placement - Ingredient Science 2027

Overview

Overview You’ve learned a lot as a student already. Want to put it into practice at PepsiCo? Our placement programmes are structured to give you the chance to make an impact on some of the world’s biggest brands. From day one, you’ll be working on projects that matter. You will shake things up, shape trends, and get guidance and development to help you discover your potential. We are looking for enthusiastic undergraduates to join our R&D teams on a 12-month placement programme starting in July 2027 on a full-time basis. Innovation takes centre stage at PepsiCo! That means our Global R&D team are at the heart of the action and are kept busy creating the products of the future, for our global consumers. In a fast-paced consumer environment, our research and development capability is crucial to provide a fresh twist to our favourite brands as well as creating new to the world healthy choices that we need to succeed in the market. Our research and development focusses on building a consumer-centric understanding, enabling us to design products for the latest consumer needs - whether nutrition, refreshment, or indulgence – driving our growth both now and in the future. You’ll have lots of autonomy where your decisions will really make a difference to our business and in return, you’ll have the chance to develop your skills and experience in a fast paced, energetic environment. Overview of the role The Ingredient Science team develops and applies science-led ingredient solutions across PepsiCo’s innovation pipeline. We investigate how carbohydrates, alternative carbohydrates, dietary fibre, phytonutrients, micronutrients and other strategic ingredient platforms can deliver improved functionality, nutritional performance and consumer-relevant benefits. Working across R&D, product development, nutrition, regulatory and external partners, the team translates emerging science into practical solutions for foods and beverages. This placement offers the opportunity to contribute to real innovation projects within a global food company while building strong laboratory, analytical and communication skills. Responsibilities What you will be doing? Assist with food laboratory experiments and ingredient evaluations related to carbohydrates, alternative carbohydrates, dietary fibre, phytonutrients, micronutrients and other strategic ingredient platforms. Plan and carry out well-controlled practical studies, following laboratory procedures and appropriate safety and quality requirements. Analyse and interpret experimental data, identify key findings and prepare clear reports, presentations and recommendations for technical teams. Support innovation projects by evaluating ingredient functionality, nutritional performance, processing impacts and consumer-relevant benefits. Conduct scientific literature reviews and technology scouting to identify emerging ingredients, health benefits, analytical approaches and research opportunities. Contribute to the development and application of model food systems, analytical methods and ingredient-screening approaches. Collaborate with colleagues across R&D, product development, nutrition and regulatory teams, and engage with suppliers, universities and other external partners where appropriate. Share progress and results with project teams, helping translate scientific evidence into practical next steps and business-relevant recommendations. Qualifications What we are looking for: Currently studying towards a degree that includes an industrial placement year, such as Food Science and Technology, Nutrition Science or Human Nutrition, Food and Nutrition, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or a related subject with an interest in food, nutrition or health science. A sound foundation in scientific principles and enthusiasm for applying them to ingredients, foods and beverages. Interest in carbohydrates, fibre, phytonutrients, micronutrients, ingredient functionality, nutrition or health-related science. Confidence working practically in a laboratory, or a willingness to learn laboratory methods, safe working practices and accurate record keeping. Basic ability to organise, analyse and interpret data using common digital tools such as Excel; experience of statistics is helpful but not essential. Curiosity and initiative when investigating scientific questions, with a logical and evidence-based approach to problem solving. Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information clearly to different audiences. A collaborative approach and willingness to work with colleagues from different scientific and business disciplines. Good organisation and time-management skills, with the ability to plan work, manage priorities and deliver agreed actions. Self-motivation, adaptability and a commitment to high standards of quality, safety and integrity What else do you need to know? Our placements start in July 2027 on a full-time basis and will last for 12 months. The salary is £26,600. Other benefits: Vibrant culture Development and mentoring 25 days annual leave plus 8 days bank holidays , birthday leave Discounted PepsiCo products Competitive pension scheme Market-leading health and wellbeing benefits: Virtual GP: available to you and your family 24/7, Discounted gym membership, SWORD; online free digital physiotherapy service Our application process involves: Online application One way video interview sent to you by Talent Acquisition team: September- October 2026 Virtual Assessment Centre November- December 2026 (subject to change) Application Closing Date: 20th October 2026 Our application window is scheduled to close on the above date, however, in the event of a large response we will close applications early. We would therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible. About PepsiCo PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people.

Responsibilities

What you will be doing? Assist with food laboratory experiments and ingredient evaluations related to carbohydrates, alternative carbohydrates, dietary fibre, phytonutrients, micronutrients and other strategic ingredient platforms. Plan and carry out well-controlled practical studies, following laboratory procedures and appropriate safety and quality requirements. Analyse and interpret experimental data, identify key findings and prepare clear reports, presentations and recommendations for technical teams. Support innovation projects by evaluating ingredient functionality, nutritional performance, processing impacts and consumer-relevant benefits. Conduct scientific literature reviews and technology scouting to identify emerging ingredients, health benefits, analytical approaches and research opportunities. Contribute to the development and application of model food systems, analytical methods and ingredient-screening approaches. Collaborate with colleagues across R&D, product development, nutrition and regulatory teams, and engage with suppliers, universities and other external partners where appropriate. Share progress and results with project teams, helping translate scientific evidence into practical next steps and business-relevant recommendations.

Qualifications

What we are looking for: Currently studying towards a degree that includes an industrial placement year, such as Food Science and Technology, Nutrition Science or Human Nutrition, Food and Nutrition, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or a related subject with an interest in food, nutrition or health science. A sound foundation in scientific principles and enthusiasm for applying them to ingredients, foods and beverages. Interest in carbohydrates, fibre, phytonutrients, micronutrients, ingredient functionality, nutrition or health-related science. Confidence working practically in a laboratory, or a willingness to learn laboratory methods, safe working practices and accurate record keeping. Basic ability to organise, analyse and interpret data using common digital tools such as Excel; experience of statistics is helpful but not essential. Curiosity and initiative when investigating scientific questions, with a logical and evidence-based approach to problem solving. Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information clearly to different audiences. A collaborative approach and willingness to work with colleagues from different scientific and business disciplines. Good organisation and time-management skills, with the ability to plan work, manage priorities and deliver agreed actions. Self-motivation, adaptability and a commitment to high standards of quality, safety and integrity What else do you need to know? Our placements start in July 2027 on a full-time basis and will last for 12 months. The salary is £26,600. Other benefits: Vibrant culture Development and mentoring 25 days annual leave plus 8 days bank holidays , birthday leave Discounted PepsiCo products Competitive pension scheme Market-leading health and wellbeing benefits: Virtual GP: available to you and your family 24/7, Discounted gym membership, SWORD; online free digital physiotherapy service Our application process involves: Online application One way video interview sent to you by Talent Acquisition team: September- October 2026 Virtual Assessment Centre November- December 2026 (subject to change) Application Closing Date: 20th October 2026 Our application window is scheduled to close on the above date, however, in the event of a large response we will close applications early. We would therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible. About PepsiCo PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people.