Associate Principal Scientist - Microbial Risk Assessment

Company: PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH
Location: Plano
Posted on: April 6, 2025

Job Description:

OverviewPepsiCo 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!The Associate Principal Scientist role focuses on developing risk assessment models and data analysis systems for PepsiCo products, dedicating 75% of the time to this task. The remaining 25% involves providing day-to-day lab support for the R&D Microbiology department. The candidate will work with cross-functional teams to develop data visualization systems and models for microbial risks and mitigations, as well as support microbiological testing and studies for innovation projects.Responsibilities

• Microbiological Subject Matter Expert to provide microbial risk modeling and data analysis. This role makes decisions for Microbiological Quality and Safety of products and manufacturing environments within the FLNA and Quaker platforms.
• Conduct research using MALDI-TOF and IR Biotyper technology to identify and characterize microorganisms isolated from products and environments to develop mitigation and prevention strategies.
• Design, conduct and interpret microbiological challenge studies in support of product development and operations including sanitation and other preventive controls. This role makes decisions regarding the microbial risk of products and the value of controls such as sanitation, runtime, and operational programs.
• Provide subject matter expertise risk modeling and data visualization.
• Conduct risk assessment and provides rationale demonstrating robustness and regulatory compliance of food product preservation formulations.
• Provides training, standard operating procedures, and safety requirements for Microbiological Laboratory operation.
• Provides Microbiological SME support for investigation of Microbiological manufacturing issues.
• Collaborate with global functional teams to drive Winning with Purpose and our Faster, Stronger, Better agendas related to food safety and quality/ Pathogen Environmental Monitoring /PepsiCo approved Laboratories.
• Travel 10-20% domestically.Compensation and Benefits:
  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $89,000 - $149,000.
  • 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 10% 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.Qualifications
    • PhD/MS in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, or another related technical field.
    • Minimum 2-5+ (MS) or 0-3+ (PhD) years of Microbiology/Food Safety in Operations, Quality or R&D.
    • SME in Microbiology, Food Safety, Preservation, Challenge Study Design & Execution, Pathogen Testing, Microbiological Test Methods, Ingredient Specification, Finished Product Testing.
    • Ability to develop data visualization systems and models for microbial risks and mitigations, as well as support microbiological testing and studies for innovation projects.
    • Experience with R, Python, PowerBI, or other visualization tools required.
    • Drive agendas to meet business timelines; successfully handle adverse circumstances.
    • Achieve quality results consistently despite obstacles. Monitors progress against goals, identifies issues and takes corrective action early.Differentiating Competencies Required:
      • Ability to gather required data to conduct a microbiological risk assessment and develop risk mitigation strategy in support of Innovation and Operations.
      • Confident in communication across a range of stakeholder groups internal and external to PepsiCo.
      • Self-starter able to work independently and within cross functional teams.
      • Organized and able to manage time in order to achieve deliverables against multiple projects.EEO StatementOur 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 & documents. View .Please view our .
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Keywords: PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH, Plano , Associate Principal Scientist - Microbial Risk Assessment, Other , Plano, Texas