Job Description Summary:
The Senior Manager, Material Characterization Scientist, Analytical Science will independently conduct and lead routine and non-routine analysis, conduct and manage routine equipment and instrument maintenance and calibration, document findings and write reports, while working both independently and in a collaborative team environment to support R&D projects to enable the Company’s growth.
The Research to Experimentation (RtE) function in TI&SC delivers scalable and impactful innovations in the areas of ingredients, packaging, and dispensing (package-less) that grow, sustain, and protect our business. The Analytical Science team is a critical part of RtE, supporting the other teams in RtE as a value‑driven analytical organization that accelerates end‑to‑end R&D innovation and commercialization.
The Senior Scientist will be responsible for the development of new capabilities, including the development and validation of new methods, identifying, acquiring, and validating new instruments, and building external third-party lab capabilities. Must have strong hands-on experience for materials characterization testing and passion for turning analytical results into actionable business insights.
The Senior Scientist will also attend meetings with clients, present findings, conduct literature searches, stay on top of trends and new developments, and act as subject matter expert in material characterization for packaging and equipment materials. Role requires executive communication skills to clearly articulate deep scientific information in a clear, concise, business-relevant manner.
Function Related Activities/Key Responsibilities
- Develop and validate methods
- Conduct routine and non-routine testing
- Ensure timely and accurate results
- Interact with clients and define analytical needs for business
- Compile, interpret, document, and report results
- Deliver insights which drive growth for the business
- Organize and lead projects
- Organize and prioritize workflow and task schedules
- Acquire knowledge and establish capabilities
- Maintain and ensure performance of instruments
Education Requirements: Ph.D. Preferred; Master’s Degree (Thesis) Required
Related Work Experience: Ph.D.: 5-7+ years; MS: 10+ years. Degrees in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science preferred.
- Qualified candidates are expected to have industry experience (5 plus years with Ph.D. or 8 plus years with MS).
- This role requires deep understanding and extensive hands-on experience using analytical instrumentation to perform material characterization with a focus on food/beverage packaging.
- Instrumentation and Techniques include, but are not limited to: Thermal Analysis (incl. DSC, TGA, etc.), Thermomechanical Analysis (incl. DMA, Rheology, Mechanical Tensile/Compression Testing, etc.), GPC, FTIR, UV-Vis Spectroscopy.
- Additional skills around associated sample preparation including the use of (mini-) compounder and injection are a plus.
- Additional experience with SEM-EDS, X-Ray Computed Tomography, XRF, AFM, Mass Spec are desirable.
- Experience in method development and validation, skill in sample preparation across various matrices including raw materials, beverages, syrup, concentrate, packaging materials and precursors, and experience in qualitative and quantitative analyses of chemicals and elements, are especially desirable.
- The ability to acquire new knowledge, capabilities, and skills in other areas of analytical science and chemistry are strongly preferred.
- Candidates should excel at problem solving and project leadership.
Function Skills:
- Recognized subject matter expert across the Company in one or more fields, evaluating data/information and making decisions, providing solutions to problems, and educated opinions on packaging materials to provide support to the Company and the food industry.
- Advanced Field Specialty (Material Science): Expert ability to integrate advanced techniques and to apply the most appropriate techniques to a broad range of problems.
- Ability to perform advanced, complex testing at a high level of throughput using the methodology as required on packaging, packaging material, ingredients, intermediates and finished products.
- Demonstrated knowledge and application of Good Laboratory Practices; Laboratory/Analytical Instrumentation; LIMS; Quality management systems.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex science to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to communicate technical information both verbally and in written reports that is understandable by technical and non-technical audiences; to produce report of results and recommendations that are clear and concise.
- Ability to apply communication skills and Company policy to respond to product/packaging scientific or regulatory issues. Includes the ability to handle sensitive and complex contacts that require a high level of judgment, tact and diplomacy to minimize negative impact to the System and Industry.
- Proprietary Information: Ability to recognize and protect proprietary information as it relates to both internal and external IP.
- Project Management: Knowledge of project management principles and the ability to apply the principles, tools and techniques to develop/plan, manage or execute projects or work plans to ensure successful completion (e.g., on time, within budget). Prioritization skills.
- Ability to develop & successfully follow short-term and long-term Business Plans aligned with Company strategy.
- Proven curious and innovative mindset, with the ability to turn scientific insights into actionable, consumer-relevant solutions.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Endurance: Willingness and ability to occasionally function effectively over extended periods of time. Ability to be flexible and adjust priorities based on business needs.
Leadership Behaviors:
- Be the Role Model: Motivate others by exemplifying integrity and courage in the actions you take professionally and personally.
- Make Courageous Choices
- Foster Innovation
- Thrive in Ambiguity
- Set the Agenda: Drive forward-thinking vision and rally your team around achieving strategic objectives.
- Envision the Future
- Act as a Change Agent
- Apply an Enterprise Mindset
- Help People be their Best Selves: Champion growth, encouraging individuals to discover and achieve their fullest potential.
- Influence Across the Network
- Build Inclusion
- Develop Talent
Growth Behaviors:
- Growth Mindset: Demonstrates Curiosity. Welcomes failure as a learning opportunity.
- Smart Risk: Makes bold decisions/recommendations
- Externally Focused: Understands the upstream and downstream implications of his/her work. Tracks and shares external trends, best practices, or ideas.
- 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.
The Coca-Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status (including, but not limited to, H1-B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require The Coca-Cola Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.
Skills:
Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Analytical Method Development, Apply an Enterprise Mindset, Communication, Data Analysis, Data Compilation, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Gas Chromatography (GC), Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS), HPLC Method Development, Laboratory Testing, Leadership, Material Characterization Techniques, Materials Characterization, Materials Properties, Method Development, Polymer Analysis, Polymer Characterization {+ 8 more}
Pay Range:
United States of America: 137,550 USD - 160,650 USD
Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.
Location(s):
United States of America
City/Cities:
Atlanta
Travel Required:
00% - 25%
Relocation Provided:
No
Job Posting End Date:
July 28, 2026
Our Purpose and Growth Culture:
We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. When we collect your personal information as part of a job application or offer of employment, we do so in accordance with industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.