Research & Development Industrial Placement - Agricultural Sciences 2027

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.

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’ll 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 2027 on a full-time basis.

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 uses practical research and data-led insight to improve the crop ingredients behind some of PepsiCo’s best-known brands, including Walkers and Quaker Oats. Our work spans potato and oat variety development, field and storage trials, crop physiology, agritech and regenerative farming practices. During this 12-month placement, you will support scientists working on applied research projects that help improve crop productivity, resilience and sustainability across our agricultural supply chain.

What will you be doing?

• Support field, storage and laboratory projects across key crops, including trial planning, set-up, monitoring, data collection and sample processing
• Collect, organise and check trial data, then use it to help interpret results and support project decisions with guidance from the team
• Prepare clear trial summaries, reports and presentations that explain findings and show how they relate to the project brief
• Build your knowledge of crop research, trialling, technology and sustainable agriculture by working with colleagues across the Agricultural Science team
• Work with internal teams, technical specialists and external partners to help deliver project activities where required

Qualifications

What are we looking for?

• Studying towards a degree in Agricultural Science, Plant Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science or a related subject
• A full UK driving licence is required, as the role involves travel to field trial locations
• Interested in gaining hands-on experience across field, laboratory and office-based work, including crop trials, sample processing and data collection
• Curious about crop science, sustainable agriculture and how research can support more resilient farming systems.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and keen to develop skills in data handling, analysis and reporting
• Able to work well in a team, ask questions and communicate clearly with colleagues, contractors and external partners
• Organised, reliable and able to manage time effectively, follow instructions and complete tasks with attention to detail
• Some understanding of agricultural systems or crop production would be helpful, but practical experience is not essential

What else do you need to know?

Our placements start in July 2027 on a full-time basis and will last for 12 months, with a salary of £26,600.

Other benefits:

• Vibrant culture
• Development and mentoring
• 25 days' annual leave plus 8 days bank holidays
• 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
• Video Interview sent to you by HR: September - October 2026
• Virtual Assessment Center: November – December 2026

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.

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