R&D FSQA Assistant Scientist - L05

Overview

The R&D Microbiology Assistant Scientist provides technical and operational support to Pepsi Co's Global R&D Microbiology team. This role combines routine microbiological laboratory activities such as routine sample analysis and challenge study preparation and execution with ownership of critical laboratory operations functions including procurement, safety leadership, culture collection management, equipment maintenance coordination, and laboratory compliance support.

The successful candidate will serve as a key member of the laboratory operations team supporting microbiological testing, challenge studies, innovation projects, and laboratory governance programs.

• Conduct routine microbiological analyses of beverages, ingredients, concentrates, and related materials.
• Prepare microbiological media, reagents, and laboratory supplies.
• Support microbiological challenge studies and qualification studies.
• Ensure accurate sample logging, documentation, reporting, and record retention.
• Maintain compliance with GLP and laboratory quality standards.

• Manage laboratory inventory and consumable procurement.
• Order laboratory supplies and coordinate vendor interactions.
• Process and track laboratory invoices.
• Monitor laboratory expenditures and assist with budget tracking.
• Support laboratory operational efficiency initiatives.

• Serve as primary Area Safety Representative for the laboratory.
• Conduct monthly safety inspections.
• Maintain safety documentation and records.
• Coordinate corrective actions and follow-up activities.
• Promote a strong laboratory safety culture.

• Coordinate equipment preventive maintenance programs.
• Manage calibration schedules and service requirements.
• Coordinate external vendors and service contracts.
• Maintain laboratory equipment records and documentation.
• Assist with laboratory equipment qualification activities.

• Maintain laboratory microbiological culture collection.
• Coordinate culture storage, preservation, inventory, and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with culture management procedures.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $60,600 - $94,450.
• 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.
• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• In addition to salary, Pepsi Co 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.

• BS degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, or related scientific discipline.
• 3–5 years of microbiology laboratory experience.
• Experience with microbiological techniques including:
  • Aseptic technique
  • Serial dilutions
  • Plating methods
  • Colony enumeration
  • Culture transfer
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Experience managing laboratory inventory and procurement.
• Experience with laboratory equipment maintenance programs.
• Experience coordinating vendors and external laboratories.
• Experience with laboratory data systems and digital tools.
• Experience supporting laboratory safety programs.
• Knowledge of beverage and food microbiology.

• Laboratory Operations Leadership
• Attention to Detail
• Scientific Execution
• Safety Leadership
• P…