Sensory & Consumer Experience Associate Principal Scientist - Front End Innovation

Sensory & Consumer Experience Associate Principal Scientist - Front End Innovation

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As the Foundations team, we uncover human needs and turn ambiguity into clarity, building the foundations for consumer-relevant innovation. Primary responsibilities will be to conduct qualitative, fuzzy-front end sensory and consumer research in support of innovation product development and other human-centric research initiatives. The Foundations Sensory & Consumer Associate Principal Scientist will work independently with R&D, business teams and suppliers to design and conduct appropriate research to build learning and advance knowledge of product innovation to meet the business objectives.

• Develop and coordinate consumer-driven research plans in support of Foundational/Front-End Innovation to build deep empathy and ensure human needs are embedded in R&D’s decision-making process.
• Apply a variety of qualitative methods (including ethnographies, consumer co-creations, diary studies, interviews, etc.) to discover whitespace opportunities, explore propositions and inform early-stage innovation.
• Provide sound technical recommendations to enable R&D business decisions. Interpret qualitative data and translate insights into clear, compelling recommendations and roadmaps that influence product development and strategic decisions.
• Develop research briefs, collaborating with research partners to ensure development of relevant consumer experiences.
• Work in H2/H3 innovation spaces to ensure Pepsi Co is a future ready organization, applying and developing forward-thinking approaches and capabilities to stay ahead of evolving consumer needs.
• Curate and integrate consumer and category trends, uncovering emerging opportunities that challenge traditional thinking and inform project scope.
• Analyze and integrate information from different sources in order to build holistic understanding of consumer behavior and provide robust project recommendations.
• Advance R&D’s human-centric understanding by building capabilities, participating in pilot programs, and applying new methodologies to deepen consumer empathy and drive innovation.
• 10-15% travel may be required for the role (U.S. and/or international).

• 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, 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, MS, or Ph.D.:
  Major in Food Science (thesis in Sensory), Sensory Science, Behavioral Science, Consumer Psychology, Anthropology, or related field
• Masters/PhD preferred
• 3-4+ years (with MS/PhD) or 5-7+ years (with BS) Consumer Research experience within a major consumer packaged goods company or research supplier.
• Deep expertise in qualitative research fundamentals and their application in new and existing product innovation. Must be comfortable with high levels of research complexity and open-ended questions.
• Creative problem solver and out-of-the-box thinker, able to think creatively & holisticly.
• Knowledge of design thinking principles and the ability to apply human-centered design methodologies.
• Experience in leading multiple complex projects independently and managing competing priorities with agility.
• Exceptional storytelling and communication skills—able to navigate through complexity and deliver engaging, impactful insights.
• Comf…