Research & Development Industrial Placement - Measurement Sciences 2027

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:

Measurement Sciences plays a critical role in helping PepsiCo innovate with confidence. We design and apply analytical measurement approaches that generate trusted data and transform it into meaningful insights for product development, manufacturing and strategic decision-making. As part of the team, you will contribute to the science that underpins some of PepsiCo's most exciting innovations while gaining experience in laboratory testing, data interpretation and modern analytical technologies.

Responsibilities

Role details

Support the implementation of Accelerated Shelf Life (ALS) capability within BP Measurement Sciences team. This role provides hands-on experience in analytical science, GC-MS analysis, method validation, data interpretation and product stability assessment. Working alongside a project lead from the Analytical Programs team, the student will contribute to a defined project that supports faster innovation decisions and speed-to-market objectives.

What will you be doing?

• Support the validation and deployment of an analytical method used to assess product stability and shelf life

• Gain hands-on experience operating GC-MS instrumentation and preparing samples for analysis

• Conduct laboratory experiments to evaluate method performance and generate data to support implementation

• Analyse and interpret experimental results and contribute to technical recommendations

• Support Accelerated Shelf Life (ALS) studies to understand the impact of ingredient, process and packaging changes on product performance

• Collaborate with scientists across Measurement Sciences and other R&D teams

• Maintain accurate records and comply with laboratory safety, quality and data integrity requirements

• Contribute to reports, presentations and project updates

Learning Opportunities

During the placement, the student will gain practical experience in:

• GC-MS operation and troubleshooting

• Analytical method validation and deployment

• Shelf-life science and product stability assessment

• Experimental design and data analysis

• Working on cross-functional R&D projects

• Translating scientific data into business-relevant recommendations

• Learning and using LabVantage LIMS to capture data and results

Qualifications

What we are looking for:

• Currently studying towards a degree that includes a placement year in a relevant subject, such as Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, Forensic Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline

• A genuine interest in practical laboratory science and in understanding how reliable measurements support real business decisions

• A sound foundation in scientific principles gained during time at university, with a willingness to build knowledge through hands-on experience

• Careful and methodical working, with strong attention to detail when following procedures, handling samples and recording data

• Confidence working with numbers and basic data analysis; experience with Excel or other data tools is helpful, but specialist programming knowledge is not essential

• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain work clearly and ask questions when guidance is needed

• A collaborative, respectful approach and the confidence to build relationships with people from different scientific and business backgrounds

• Curiosity, initiative and a problem-solving mindset, combined with openness to feedback and a willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks

• Good organisation and personal responsibility, including the ability to plan tasks, manage priorities and deliver agreed actions safely and on time

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.