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.