Overview
The R&D Microbiology Assistant Scientist provides technical and operational support to PepsiCo'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.
Responsibilities
Microbiology Laboratory Support
- 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.
Laboratory Operations
- 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.
Safety & Compliance
- 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.
Equipment & Asset Management
- 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.
Culture Collection Management
- 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, 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
Required
- 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.
Preferred
- 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.
Key Competencies
- Laboratory Operations Leadership
- Attention to Detail
- Scientific Execution
- Safety Leadership
- Project Coordination
- Financial Stewardship
- Vendor Management
- Continuous Improvement
- Collaboration and Communication
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Our 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 age, 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 / Age If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy. Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.
