PepsiCo R&D WIL Learnership (Nutrition Science) Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

PepsiCo invites South African students to apply for an exciting Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Learnership in Research & Development (R&D), focusing on Nutrition Science, located in Cape Town. This learnership offers a practical opportunity for students to apply their academic knowledge in a dynamic business environment.

Participants will gain hands-on experience supporting the R&D team, contributing to various projects, and assisting with product development and trials within the nutrition science field. This programme is designed to integrate theoretical studies with real-world application, preparing learners for a career in scientific research and development.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this learnership, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Successfully completed the theoretical part of their studies in a scientific field, such as Biochemistry, Food Technology, or Engineering.
• Currently be in the final year of their studies.
• Achieved a minimum average of 60% in their academic studies.
• Possess good technical and analytical skills, including basic knowledge of statistics and the ability to interpret data.
• Demonstrate strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Be eager to learn, take initiative, and capable of working independently.
• A valid Driving License will be an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Learners will be involved in a range of R&D activities, including:

• Attending pilot plant and factory trials as required by the R&D technologist.
• Assisting with the development of trial protocols and their distribution to stakeholders.
• Organising and executing assigned research and development projects for the South African R&D team.
• Supporting R&D Technologists on low complexity projects and the execution of prototypes for pilot plant trials.
• Executing production trials and reporting trial results using specified methodologies.
• Conducting routine analytical and product quality tests.
• Leading base product collection from production lines for development at the pilot plant level.
• Collaborating with product developers.
• Supporting effective work in the pilot plant, ensuring Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and general hygiene standards are maintained.
• Assisting with Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) initiatives.
• Participating in online training to enhance business knowledge.

How to Apply

To apply for the R&D WIL Learnership, please follow these steps:

• Visit the official application portal: https://globalcampus-pepsico.icims.com/jobs/444071/login?_sp=8a732d83-57ff-404b-a37f-1745215b82e1.1780914616893&_jsqid=undefined&_gl=110dochn_gcl_auMTIxNDQ3MDA5NS4xNzgwOTE0MzMy_gaOTUxNzI4MTg2LjE3NzI1NjAyNjQ._ga_5Y2BYGL910czE3ODA5MTQzMzMkbzgkZzAkdDE3ODA5MTQzMzMkajYwJGwwJGgw&_ga=2.114538567.1774934642.1780914332-951728186.1772560264&mobile=false&width=1255&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=120&jun1offset=120
• Follow the instructions on the portal to log in or create an account and complete your application.