About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a global portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, Lay's, Quaker, and Tropicana. Headquartered in Purchase, New York, PepsiCo operates in over 200 countries, employing more than 300,000 people dedicated to delivering innovative products that delight consumers. Our R&D division in Valhalla, New York, plays a pivotal role in driving product innovation, ensuring quality, and supporting market launches for beverages and snacks. As a Fortune 500 company, PepsiCo invests heavily in cutting-edge technology and talent to maintain its position as an industry leader in sustainable, consumer-focused innovation.

Role Overview

The R&D Analytical Tech Associate Scientist position in Valhalla, New York, is a key role within PepsiCo's Liquid Concentrate (LC) Application team. This full-time opportunity offers hands-on experience with advanced analytical techniques like HPLC and LC/MS to support global product innovation, discovery, and application projects. You'll contribute to beverage and food product development, new analyte specifications, and forensic analysis, collaborating with cross-functional teams including PGCS and Forensics. With a salary range starting at $70,700 and up to $118,400 USD annually, this role provides a platform for technical growth in a dynamic, innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

In this position, you'll handle diverse tasks essential to PepsiCo's R&D success:

• Prepare samples from various matrices like beverages, foods, concentrates, and botanicals using liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction (SPE), filtration, and concentration for HPLC or LC/MS analysis.
• Independently operate HPLC systems and assay kits following SOPs, process and evaluate data for quality, and deliver reliable reports to support Discovery & Application and Product Innovation teams.
• Develop and validate analytical methods under senior guidance, draft SOPs aligned with industry standards.
• Design, execute, and interpret experiments using statistical tools for quantitative and qualitative data analysis to resolve product and process issues.
• Collaborate in cross-functional teams with Quality, Product Development, Consumer Relations, Packaging, and Engineering.
• Manage priorities in a fast-paced environment, document projects meticulously, and leverage internal/external labs for critical testing.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel as an R&D Analytical Tech Associate Scientist at PepsiCo, candidates should possess:

• A B.S. or M.S. in Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or Food Chemistry, with at least two years of industry experience.
• Proven hands-on expertise with HPLC instrumentation, including Empower software for quantification and profiling.
• Strong knowledge of beverage formulas and concentrate compositions for accurate testing and out-of-spec investigations.
• Ability to design and execute small-scale experiments independently, collect quality data, and perform statistical analysis.
• Excellent prioritization, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills in a demanding setting.
• Proficiency in computer tools like Power BI, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and LIMS.
• Highly motivated, independent, and collaborative mindset.

PepsiCo values diverse backgrounds and considers qualified applicants with criminal histories per applicable laws, including Fair Chance Ordinances.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a robust compensation package for this role, including:

• Salary range of $70,700 - $118,400 USD, adjusted based on location, skills, experience, and education.
• Comprehensive health benefits: medical, dental, vision, disability, health and dependent care reimbursement accounts.
• Paid time off including parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement leave (subject to eligibility).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), accident, group legal, and life insurance.
• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan to secure your financial future.

These perks underscore PepsiCo's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career development is a core value. This Associate Scientist role provides opportunities to enhance technical skills in HPLC, LC/MS, and method validation while working on high-impact global projects. Our R&D culture fosters innovation without fear of failure, continuous learning, and collaboration across silos. Advance to senior scientist positions, lead projects, or transition into broader analytical leadership roles. Access mentorship, training programs, and internal mobility to propel your career in food and beverage R&D.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo's Valhalla R&D team means becoming part of a global powerhouse that prioritizes talent, innovation, and impact. Work on cutting-edge projects supporting billion-dollar brands, collaborate with top experts, and contribute to sustainable product solutions. Enjoy a supportive culture that assumes the best in every team member, offers premium benefits, and accelerates professional growth. In Valhalla, New York, you'll thrive in a state-of-the-art facility driving PepsiCo's future in beverages and foods.

Role FAQs

What experience is required?

A minimum of two years in industry with a focus on HPLC and analytical chemistry.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Discuss specifics with your recruiter during the hiring process.

What software tools are used?

Empower for HPLC, Power BI, LIMS, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

How does PepsiCo support work-life balance?

Through generous PTO, parental leave, EAP, and flexible prioritization.

Is this role remote or on-site?

On-site in Valhalla, New York, for lab-based analytical work.