Job Description

Overview:
You've learned a lot as a student already. Want to put it into practice at PepsiCo?
Our placement programmes are structured to give you the chance to make an impact on some of the world's biggest brands. From day one, you'll be working on projects that matter. You will shake things up, shape trends, and get guidance and development to help you discover your potential.
We are looking for enthusiastic undergraduates to join our R&D teams on a 12-month placement programme starting in July 2026 on a full-time basis. All our Research & Development opportunities are based out of Beaumont Park, Leicester.
Innovation takes centre stage at PepsiCo! That means our Global R&D team are at the heart of the action and are kept busy creating the products of the future, for our global consumers. In a fast-paced consumer environment, our research and development capability is crucial to provide a fresh twist to our favourite brands as well as creating new to the world healthy choices that we need to succeed in the market. Our research and development focusses on building a consumer-centric understanding, enabling us to design products for the latest consumer needs - whether nutrition, refreshment, or indulgence - driving our growth both now and in the future.
You'll have lots of autonomy where your decisions will really make a difference to our business and in return, you'll have the chance to develop your skills and experience in a fast paced, energetic environment.
Overview of the role
The Agricultural Science team is responsible for delivering evidence-led research and development that enhances the production of crop ingredients for PepsiCo's global food portfolio, including the Walkers and Quaker Oats brands. Our work ranges from breeding new potato and oat varieties to developing novel regenerative agricultural practices. Within this role, you will be supporting a team of scientists to drive world-class research, development and innovation to discover and implement technologies and practices that deliver for both people and the planet. Responsibilities:
What you will be doing:

• Support project managers with field and storage projects on key crops, including trial planning, execution, data collection and sample analysis.
• Interpret and report experimental results to contribute to decision-making for projects, in consultation with project leads and subject matter experts.
• Produce clear and concise trial summaries and reports which address the challenges/questions in the project brief. Present findings to your line manager, wider team and stakeholders as required.
• Utilise PepsiCo's internal network of subject matter experts to build your knowledge and enhance your skills to add further value to the team and our ongoing projects.
• Liaise with technical experts and external vendors/contractors to deliver key aspects of project work streams, where required. Qualifications:

What are we looking for?

• Students that have the full right to work for the duration of the full time placement (July 2026-July 2027).
• Students currently in their penultimate year of university studies, where the course includes the option of completing a sandwich placement before returning to study after the placement.
• Following path to a degree level qualification in Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Life Sciences (including Biology and Biochemistry) or Environmental Science
• Must have a UK driving license
• Willing to work in both field and lab environments, supporting crop trials, sample processing, and data collection
• Experience of using Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and open to learning internal systems and tools for interpreting data and drawing conclusions, with support from subject matter experts
• Enjoy working in a team and able to liaise confidently with colleagues, contractors, and external partners
• Can manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and follow through on tasks with attention to detail
• Interest in sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and how science can support people and the planet
• Theoretical knowledge of conventional agricultural practices is required and some experience working within agriculture is preferred

What else do you need to know?
Our placements start in July 2026 on a full-time basis and will last for 12 months.The salary is 25,500.
Other benefits:

• Vibrant culture
• Development and mentoring
• 25 days annual leave plus 8 days bank holidays ,birthday leave
• Discounted PepsiCo products
• Competitive pension scheme
• Market-leading health and wellbeing benefits: Virtual GP: available to you and your family 24/7, Discounted gym membership, SWORD; online free digital physiotherapy service

Our application process involves:

• Online application
• One way video interview sent to you by Talent Acquisition team: September- October 2025
• Virtual Assessment Centre November- December 2025 (subject to change)

Application Closing Date: 20th October 2025
Our application window is scheduled to close on the above date, however, in the event of a large response we will close applications early. We would therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people.

Skills Required