KTP Associate in Food Physics and Seasoning Adhesion Science

Job Description:

Interviews expected to be held week commencing 6 July 2026.

This role is based at PepsiCo International Limited, Global R&D Centre, 4 Leycroft Rd, Beaumont Park, Leicester, LE4 1ET.

Do you hold a PhD in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline? Do you excel in physical chemistry, material design, process engineering or instrumental analysis? Do you have a strong understanding of interfaces and soft matter systems?

If you are passionate about applying your expertise to solve complex challenges in a commercial environment, this role is for you! Take the lead in embedding innovative approaches in food science to evolve the snacks portfolio, reducing fat content while maintaining the great flavour and quality that consumers trust.

The University of Leeds has an excellent opportunity for you to ‘fast track’ your career in industry by leading a strategically important project to a successful implementation. Through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), you will be working in partnership with PepsiCo International Limited and The School of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds, one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities.

PepsiCo International Limited, based in Leicester, is part of the PepsiCo group which is one of the UK's leading food and beverage companies. Every day, millions of people across the UK enjoy PepsiCo snacks, oats and carbonated soft drinks, with global and regional brands including Pepsi MAX, Quaker, Walkers, Doritos and Pipers. PepsiCo is the leading manufacturer of crisps in the UK, where 9 out of 10 UK households buy Walkers crisps.

This KTP aims to leverage cutting-edge scientific innovation to drive continuing portfolio transformation – enabling the production of great-tasting snacks that are lower in fat, without compromising on flavour and quality. This transition has been a core part of PepsiCo’s strategy in the UK, as an increasing number of their products and brands move to non-HFSS (High Fat Salt & Sugar) status. This ongoing progress aligns fully with the UK Government food strategy, and this KTP is a fantastic opportunity to help apply scientific knowledge and innovation to continue to drive positive change within the food industry.

You will be integrated into PepsiCo International’s R&D team in Leicester. This provides a unique environment to undertake extensive research, testing and development throughout the duration of your project. This research will be further facilitated and supported by state-of-the-art imaging and characterisation facilities available at the University of Leeds.

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

What we offer in return:

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Gleb Yakubov, Academic Supervisor

Email: [email protected]

Barbara Warburg, Company Supervisor

Email: [email protected]

Katie Wallett, Innovation Support Co-ordinator (University of Leeds)

Email: [email protected]

Closing Date: 03 Jul 2026

Section: Research

Salary: £38,000 to £42,500
In addition to salary, a Personal Development budget of £4,000.