Youlearned 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 worldbiggest brands. From day one, youworking 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.Youhave lots of autonomy where your decisions will really make a difference to our business and in return, youhave the chance to develop your skills and experience in a fast paced, energetic environment.Within the R&D Foods Product Development Teams you will be supporting product innovation, productivity, continuity and\/orflong-term research projects. You will work alongside scientists and engineers, on creative product development in R&D development kitchens, process labs and manufacturing plants. You will have a high level offautonomy where your work will directly impact our business results: working with our current products and on future product development.ResponsibilitiesWhat you will be doing:Hands on product development, including planning and executing kitchen, pilot and factory scale trialsWorking with product insights and analytical teams to measure product attributes and understand consumer preferencesLiaising within R&D, and cross-functionally, with teams, technical experts, and contractorsglobally, as well as using literature searches to deliver key aspects of work streams.Building and investigating fundamental scientific insights under-pinning product development.Other activities will include arranging product testing programmes, sample shipment, administration, submitting samples for laboratory analysis, writing up results and reporting back to key members of the project teams.QualificationsWhat 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 science, engineering or food related fieldfStrong communication skills, both written and verbalfNumerical skills including data analysis and interpretationfComputer literate High degree of self-motivation combined with good organisational skillsfStrong critical thinking abilityfInitiative and drive to deliver results of trials and activities and able to be pro-active and multi-task.fAn interest in foodfGood interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate to a diverse audience across function, culture and levelfWhat 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 Other benefits:Vibrant cultureDevelopment and mentoring25 days annual leave plus 8 days bank holidays, birthday leaveDiscounted PepsiCo productsCompetitive pension schemeMarket-leading health and wellbeing benefits: Virtual GP: available to you and your family 24\/7, Discounted gym membership, SWORD; online free digital physiotherapy serviceOur application process involves: Online applicationOne way video interview sent to you by Talent Acquisition team: September- October 2025Virtual Assessment Centre November- December 2025 (subject to change)Application Closing Date: 20th OctoberOur 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 PepsiCoPepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearlybillion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio thatincludes LayDoritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCoproduct 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.