Food Science & Microbiology Job At PepsiCo
Are you searching for a rewarding Food Science & Microbiology Job with a globally recognized organization? PepsiCo is offering an exciting opportunity for talented professionals to join its Research & Development team in Hyderabad as an R&D Digital Platforms Assistant Analyst. This role combines food science expertise, technical specification management, and global stakeholder collaboration, making it an ideal choice for professionals looking to advance their Life Science Careers. If you have a background in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Engineering, or related disciplines, this could be your gateway to a dynamic international career with one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo is one of the world’s leading food and beverage companies with a portfolio of globally recognized brands. Operating across more than 200 countries and territories, PepsiCo focuses on delivering innovative food and beverage products while maintaining high standards of quality, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction.
Its Research & Development teams play a critical role in driving innovation, food safety, packaging excellence, and product quality across global markets. PepsiCo continues to be a preferred employer for professionals seeking rewarding Life Science Careers and technical leadership opportunities.
Job Details:
- Job Title: R&D Digital Platforms Assistant Analyst
- Location: Hyderabad, India
- Function: Research & Development (R&D)
- Job ID: 448033
- Travel Requirement: Yes – Standard
Job Overview
The R&D Digital Platforms Assistant Analyst will support the Specifications Management teams located in Mexico Business Services (MBS) or Hyderabad Business Services (HBS) to ensure exceptional service delivery for global R&D Specification Management activities.
The role involves applying technical expertise and collaborating with in-market teams, Global Business Services (GBS) employees, and external suppliers to develop, maintain, and manage Formula, Ingredient, and Packaging Specifications. The incumbent will support supplier engagement, specification tracking, documentation management, and system uploads while ensuring compliance with established standards and service-level requirements.
Depending on team structure, the role may also include mentoring, guiding, and reviewing the work of junior Specification Writing Analysts.
Key Responsibilities
Specification Development and Management
- Leverage internal and external resources to develop new or update existing ingredient and/or packaging specifications that are clear, concise, and accurate.
- Support specifications from readiness through supplier commercial qualification approval.
- Maintain and update existing specifications, including legacy system records where required.
- Upload supplier specifications, qualification documents, and supporting paperwork into relevant systems such as Product Vision and SAP.
- Track workflows and ensure documentation is maintained accurately.
Training and Technical Support
- Deliver system and process training as required.
- Develop proficiency in Specification Systems, IT applications, tools, and ways of working.
- Obtain certification as a Specification Writer to the Global Ingredient Standard.
- Provide technical guidance and support to stakeholders and team members.
Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and employee capability development.
- Recommend continuous improvement initiatives to R&D GBS Leadership.
- Contribute to system and process optimization efforts.
Mentorship and Team Support
- Depending on team structure, mentor and guide junior Specification Writing Analysts.
- Review and validate work completed by less experienced team members.
Standards and Compliance
- Learn, understand, and uphold:
- Ingredient Standards
- Supplier Standards
- Third-Party Standards
- Formula Standards
- Beverage and Food Packaging Standards
- Ensure specifications comply with established corporate and regulatory requirements.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Build and maintain strong relationships with:
- In-market R&D Specification Teams
- Global Specification Teams
- External Suppliers
- Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure complete and accurate specifications, including:
- Product Development (PD)
- Food Safety (FS)
- Regulatory Affairs (RA)
- Quality Assurance (QA)
- Procurement
- Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA)
Supplier Relationship Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers.
- Collect information and technical data required to create specifications.
- Conduct timely follow-ups to ensure project completion.
- Collect supplier questionnaires and manage alignment on specification details.
- Maintain productive supplier relationships.
Testing and Validation
- For certain specifications, including Foods and Beverages:
- Initiate material testing requests.
- Validate specification quality parameters.
- For Packaging Specifications:
- Schedule and conduct Individual Component Specification (ICS) reviews.
- Update specification documents.
- Manage supplier approvals before internal review processes.
Service Delivery and Issue Management
- Ensure all requests are processed, documented, and delivered within defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
- Monitor and manage workflows to support timely delivery.
- Assess, respond to, and escalate business-critical issues.
- Help prevent:
- Material supply shortages
- Production outages
- Manufacturing delays
Qualifications
Educational Requirements
- Formula and Ingredient Specification Roles
- Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields:
- Food Science
- Food Engineering
- Food Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Biochemical Engineering
- or equivalent relevant experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields:
- Packaging Specification Roles
- Bachelor’s degree in:
- Engineering
- Packaging-related disciplines
- or equivalent relevant experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in:
Professional Experience
- 2–5 years of professional experience within:
- Food Industry
- Beverage Industry
- Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Industry
- 1–2 years of experience in:
- Product Development
- Specification Writing
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting technology system conversion or implementation projects.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities while engaging senior stakeholders.
- Experience leading small teams or projects.
- Ability to teach, train, coach, or mentor others in a technical environment.
Technical Skills
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Ability to interpret and evaluate complex technical information.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to align stakeholders toward practical solutions.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to rapidly learn and navigate new systems and software applications.
Formula and Ingredient Specification Roles
Basic understanding of:
- Food Safety
- Microbiology
- Regulatory Affairs
Behavioral Competencies
The role requires:
- Strong collaboration skills.
- Interest in working with teams across multiple time zones.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Effective stakeholder management abilities.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
- High attention to detail and data accuracy.
- Self-motivation and initiative.
- Strong problem-solving capabilities.
Language Requirements
Hyderabad Business Services (HBS)
- Fluency in English (written and verbal) is required.
Mexico Business Services (MBS)
- Fluency in both English and Spanish is required.
Success Profile For Food Science & Microbiology Job
The ideal candidate will be a technically proficient and detail-oriented professional with experience in specification management, product development, or related areas within the food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods industry. The role requires strong collaboration, supplier management, technical writing, and stakeholder engagement capabilities while ensuring compliance with global R&D standards and service delivery expectations.
