Overview PepsiCo Industrial Placements – Research & Development – 2025-2026 Cohort 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 2025 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. Responsibilities Within R&D we have opportunities within the following disciplines: Agricultural Science You’ll support a team of scientists in developing and implementing technologies for PepsiCo’s global food brands including Walkers and Quaker Oats and support the team to drive world-class research, development, and innovation. Preferred degrees in Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Plant Science, Agriculture or closely related disciplines. Key tasks: Assist with field and storage trial planning, data collection, execution and sample analysis. Interpret and report experimental results and make recommendations based on observations, data analysis and consultation with subject matter experts. Liaise with technical experts and external vendors. Produce clear and concise reports and present findings to the line manager and colleagues. Requirement: Driving license. Nutrition Our Nutrition Sciences Team is responsible for developing and implementing the nutrition sciences strategy across the broad geography of Europe.This r ole is pivotal in supporting the work of the team, taking ownership of projects, expanding your knowledge whilst translating that knowledge into business relevant action and gaining invaluable experience of working as a nutritionist in a global food company. Preferred degrees in Nutrition. Key tasks: Develop nutrition documentation and assess research to support innovation and brand activation. Track and monitor on pack data and assist with the assessment of progress against human sustainability targets. Developing a log and commentary on media reports relevant to our portfolio and nutrition science. Contribute to nutrition education and health & wellness activities. Sport Sciences Working in our GSSI team as a Nutrition Sports Sciences Technician your role will be to support GSSI international in working with the best athletes and sports teams in the world. It’s truly an amazing opportunity. Preferred degrees in Sports and Exercise Science, Sport Nutrition and closely related disciplines. Key tasks: Service; you will be trained on GSSI standard operating procedures and accompany existing GSSI staff in the collection of data to inform personalised sports nutrition options. You will be required to complete the required paperwork and data entry into the GSSI global database, as well as assist in the testing process itself. Research; you will be encouraged to analyse the data collected and assist in report and manuscript preparations. Education; you will have the opportunity to attend the largest sports science conference in Europe and selected GSSI sponsored events Innovation; you will work on new Gatorade technologies and sports nutrition products to gain insights for future development. Packaging You’ll support the packaging team in developing innovative, sustainable packaging for Europe Foods. Preferred degrees in Packaging, Food Science, Product Design Engineering, Material Science or closely related disciplines. Key tasks: Creative & sustainable packaging development within R&D Supporting and leading variety of Packaging Development activities including development process, trial organisation and execution, analysis and reporting results to peers and line management. Working with product insights and analytical teams to measure packaging attributes. Packaging prototyping and preparation. Other activities will include arranging and conducting packaging tests and analysis, administration, submitting samples for laboratory analysis and reporting back to key members of the project teams. Product Development You will work alongside scientists on creative product development in R&D development kitchens, process labs and manufacturing plants. You will have lots of autonomy where your work will directly impact current products and future innovation within our business. Preferred degrees in Food Science or closely related disciplines i.e., Chemistry or Biology. Key tasks: Hands on product development, including planning and executing kitchen, pilot and factory scale trials Working with product insights and analytical teams to measure product attributes Liaising with teams, technical experts, and contractors globally as well as using literature searches to deliver key aspects of work streams. Building fundamental scientific insights under-pinning product development. Other activities will include arranging product testing programmes, sample shipment, administration, submitting samples for laboratory analysis, writing up results and reporting back to key members of the project teams. Process Development You’ll help explore new technologies and improve existing ones within global process engineering. The main aspects of the role involves managing work streams in technology evaluation projects, which means conducting experiments to build scientific understanding, and manufacturing product prototypes to illustrate possibilities and progress. Preferred degrees in Chemical Engineering or closely related disciplines i.e., Chemistry or Biology. Key tasks: Leading and executing your own experimental studies at both bench and pilot scale to build insights to support development of new technologies. Owning and managing project activity, program and budget and connections with external and internal stakeholders. Sustain an organized environment in the pilot plant during periods of high activity, including working with pilot plant team to ensure a seamless supply of raw materials and services. Participate in safety assessment aspects of projects. Analyse and interpret key data from existing operation plants and support plant testing of new technology developments and working with the team to evaluate performance. Virtual Development You’ll apply machine learning and physics-based modelling to drive innovation and problem-solving. Preferred degrees in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics/Statistics, Mechatronics, Data Science or Physics. Key tasks: Use AI, machine learning, and statistical tools to generate insights and support decision-making. Lead research projects involving physics-based modeling and simulation using tools such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA) and discrete element modelling (DEM) Support key projects with data science approaches, including tool generation, data manipulation, and programming. Develop technical solutions for engineering projects, collaborating with internal teams and external experts. Build computer models to solve technical challenges and drive innovation. Working globally with Research Institutes, Consultancies and Suppliers, to build new technology for PepsiCo based on leading edge scientific knowledge. Technical skills required: Proficient in Python programming Experience with CAD tools (e.g., Solidworks, CREO, Inventor, Space Claim, NX) Hands-on experience with simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, Fluent, STAR-CCM,ANSYS, Abaqus, EDEM,Rocky) Knowledge of physics-based modeling and their underlying mathematic (CFD, FEA, DEM) Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and rheology Familiarity with statistical methods and machine learning techniques Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data and distil into meaningful information e.g. modelling output, experimental design, statistical inference etc. Analytical Chemistry You will be assessing process-induced conversion of chiral molecules in foods. You will work alongside scientists on selecting and designing appropriate model food systems, subjecting samples to varying processing conditions, and applying vibrational spectroscopic methods to determine the chiral ratios in the model food system. Preferred degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences or closely related disciplines. Key tasks: Develop model food systems and create and execute hypothesis-led experimental designs (inc. vibrational spectroscopic measurements and food processing methods) at PepsiCo R&D and University of Exeter (up to 4 wks / year, all travel/hotel expenses covered) Build molecular models using computational chemistry software (Gaussian). Apply chemometric techniques to interpret spectral data. Interpret and report experimental results – make recommendations based on observations, data analysis, molecular modelling and consultation with Subject Matter Experts and external research groups. Opportunity to present findings at an international conference. All our Research & Development opportunities are based out of Beaumont Park, Leicester. Please note, during the application process, we will ask for your role preferences, and these will be taken into consideration wherever possible. Qualifications What are we looking for? Students that have the full RTW for the duration of the full time placement (July 2025-July 2026). Students currently in their penultimate year of university studies, where the course includes the option of completing a sandwich placement before returning to study after the placement. An intellectual curiosity and a willingness to challenge accepted ways of doing things For our company, for your development, for sustainability and engineering delivery. Eagerness to learn and grow your career and aspire to be our future leaders. Bring your new thinking and fresh ideas to our brands. You At PepsiCo we bring ourselves to work and embrace diversity and inclusion. We believe our differences is what makes us special. What else do you need to know? Our placements start in July 2025 on a full-time basis and will last for 12 months, with a salary of £23,800 Other benefits: Vibrant culture Development and mentoring 25 days annual leave plus 8 days bank holidays 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 “ The opportunities that PepsiCo have offered me as part of my role have been tremendous. I have been involved in multiple projects and activities on top of my day-to-day role which keeps my placement super exciting. I have met some outstanding and friendly people who I know I will keep in touch with after my placement year. The culture here is so collaborative and supportive that I’m never afraid to ask questions or ask to learn new things. ” Niyanee Porte Our application process involves: Online application Video interview sent to you by HR: October 2024 Virtual Assessment Centre Research & Development: November- December 2024 (subject to change). If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact angelika.predotapepsico.com Application Closing Date : 23rd of October 2024 About PepsiCo: PepsiCo UK is home to some of the world's most loved food and drink products. Making every day favourites like Walkers, Quaker, Doritos, Pipers and Monster Munch, to name a few We have a fantastic reputation for developing and launching products that our consumers love. PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers around the world more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories. The company generated $91 billion in net revenue in 2023. In the UK we pride ourselves on being a great place to work and in 2023 have been awarded the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality (formerly Times Top 50 Employers for Women) for the 18th year in a row and Top Employer for the 12th year in a row. Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with PepsiCo Positive (pep). pep is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with PepsiCo Positive (Pep). Pep is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com. We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with the Equality Act 2010, we value diversity at our company; it is an essential part of our success. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, pregnancy or maternity, marital/civil partnerships, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, gender or gender reassignment, disability or race including; colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin. The food industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, employing 4 million people and generating £121 billion annually. Jobs in the food industry provide an environment where no two days are ever the same. Beaumont Park, Leicester is home to our Europe R&D hub. This site hosts associates from R&D, Supply Chain and Consumer Relations. In addition to the office and meeting spaces, the site has state of the art pilot facilities, analytical labs and innovation kitchens. In your role you’ll have a level of autonomy where your decisions will really make a difference to the support we provide to our business and in return you will have the chance to develop your skills and experience in a fast paced, energetic environment