Scientist, Microbiology & Analytics, GDI

Job Description Summary: The Microbiology Analyst, GDI – Tokyo Lab plays a critical role in supporting innovation, product quality, and food safety across The Coca Cola Company’s beverage portfolio. Based at the Tokyo Innovation Center, this role provides hands-on microbiological and analytical laboratory support for product development, ingredient qualification, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position contributes deep microbiology and analytical expertise to ensure robust quality and safety in design, supporting projects from concept through commercialization. The role works closely with GDI scientists, operations units (OU), suppliers, bottlers, and global microbiology networks to deliver high quality data, insights, and recommendations.What You’ll Do for Us:Microbiology & Analytical Laboratory SupportConduct microbiological and physicochemical analyses in support of:GDI innovation projectsBusiness continuity and troubleshooting activitiesQuality approval programs for agricultural ingredients (primarily juices, domestic and overseas)Execute laboratory testing plans, including routine and non-routine analyses, challenge studies, and method execution.Develop, adjust, and execute microbiological testing protocols aligned with project needs and risk assessments.Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant delivery of analytical data.Food Safety & Microbiological Risk ManagementSupport end-to-end microbiological risk assessments, including:Ingredient risk assessmentsPlanning and execution of microbial challenge studiesReview and support of Micro Risk Assessments (MRAs)Provide subject matter expertise (SME) input to support manufacturing process requirements and product safety design.Monitor emerging microbiological risks and support mitigation and corrective action strategies.Contribute to internal food safety programs through documentation of procedures, controls, and best practices.Innovation, Ingredient & Process SupportProvide microbiology and analytical expertise to support:New product and package developmentAgricultural ingredient pre-approval and quality controlCollaborate cross-functionally with GDI, suppliers, OUs, and bottlers to troubleshoot quality issues and support IMCR and other quality investigations.Training, Collaboration & Capability BuildingProvide technical guidance and on-the-job training to laboratory staff and project teams.Support development and delivery of food safety and microbiology training programs within GDI.Actively participate in global and regional microbiology networks to share knowledge and best practices.Continuously stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving microbiological risks.Safety, Compliance & Ways of WorkingAct as a strong safety ambassador, contributing to Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) targets.Demonstrate ownership for Operational Excellence by modernizing ways of working and flexibly adjusting priorities to meet business needs.Protect proprietary information related to formulas, ingredients, and innovation work.What We’re Looking For:Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Analytical Science, Agricultural Chemistry, or a related field.5+ years of experience in microbiology, quality assurance, or laboratory work within the food or beverage industry (beverage preferred).Practical experience in microbiology testing, coordination of laboratory activities, and data interpretation.Strong knowledge of:Food and beverage microbiologyFormulation and process factors influencing microbial stabilityThermal processing (including low- and acidified beverages)Experience with microbial challenge testing, method validation, and documentation of laboratory procedures.Familiarity with quality and food safety systems such as GMP, HACCP, ISO, and relevant regulatory frameworks.Experience applying factual, data-driven root cause analysis and problem-solving approaches.Why Join Us? Impact at Scale: Shape products enjoyed by millions across diverse APAC markets.Global Connectivity: Access world-class technical expertise, innovation labs, and global R&D networks.Digital Future: Lead with next-gen tools — from AI-driven formulation insights to virtual product design.Creative Freedom: Drive innovation that blends science, consumer desire, and brand vision.Legacy: Be part of a team building the future of beverages, with agility, ambition, and excellence.What can help you to be successful in the role?Growth Behavior: Growth Mindset: Demonstrates Curiosity. Welcomes failure as a learning opportunity.Smart Risk: Makes bold decisions/recommendations. Commercially Focused: Understands the upstream and downstream implications of his/her work.Performance Driven & Accountable: Has high performance standards. Outperforms her/his peers.Fast/Agile: Removes barriers to move faster. Experiments and adapts. Thrives under pressure and fast pace.Empowered: Brings solutions instead of problems. Challenges the status quo. Has the courage to take an unpopular stance.Leadership BehaviorAct Like an Owner: Deliver results, creating value for our brands, our System, our customers and key stakeholders.Collaborate with the System, Customers and Key StakeholdersDevelops Self and Others: Develop self and support others' development to achieve their full potential.Drive Innovation: Generate new or unique solutions and embrace new ideas that help sustain our business.What We Can Do For You Career growth and development: Leveraging our boundaryless network, we provide access to educational platforms and provide coaching, mentoring and feedback, as a part of our Leadership & Development process.Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs. We want to make our culture inevitable.International Experience: Become part of international projects and work along multicultural teams, through our global network. 職務名: プロジェクトマネージャー（微生物／分析）、GDIレポートライン: 東京GDI