Analytical Lab Scientist, GDI

Please note: The selected candidate will need to be based in Tokyo, Japan. This is an Individual Contributor position.

Our Tokyo Innovation Center sits at the heart of The Coca Cola Company’s next chapter of growth. As part of this mission, the analytical laboratory scientist plays a key role in delivering world class analytical support that enables innovation, ensures ingredient and product quality, and strengthens the Japan & South Korea Operating Unit (JSK OU). This role is part of the Global Development & Innovation (GDI) Tech Center in Tokyo and reports directly to the Analytical Lab Manager. The Scientist contributes to analytical excellence across microbiological testing, physicochemical analysis, and sensory evaluation, while providing critical technical support to innovation projects, ingredient approval programs, and system-wide troubleshooting. This position is ideal for a scientifically grounded, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast paced environment and is motivated by continuous improvement, technical rigor, and operational excellence.

What You’ll Do for Us:

1. Analytical Testing & Technical Support

• Execute analytical tests (microbiological, physicochemical, sensory) to support GDI innovation projects, ingredient qualification programs, and troubleshooting for JSK OU and bottler partners, including IMCR investigations.

• Conduct specification reviews and analytical assessments to support timely juice ingredient lot release, mitigating quality risks.

• Support sensory testing related to packaging or ingredient evaluations as needed.

• Provide clear, accurate interpretation of analytical data to guide internal and external stakeholders.

2. Cross‑Functional & Supplier Collaboration

• Communicate closely with JSK OU, CPS, and domestic/international suppliers of juice ingredients to support pre‑approval activities and ensure alignment with timelines and technical requirements.

• Work with GDI Product Development to establish and refine juice‑related specifications, providing scientific input where needed.

3. Operational & Process Excellence

• Optimize analytical workflows and methods associated with ingredient approval and quality assurance programs.

• Supervise laboratory technicians to ensure timely and accurate delivery of analytical results.

• Maintain and continuously improve laboratory management systems, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and documentation readiness.

• Manage instrument maintenance, calibration, and operational readiness; support the Lab Manager in budget planning and cost control.

• Champion operational excellence by modernizing ways of working, improving efficiency, and proactively adjusting priorities to meet business needs.

4. Capability Building & Continuous Improvement

• Provide hands‑on guidance, coaching, and training to laboratory technicians.

• Stay current with emerging industry technologies, analytical methods, and scientific advancements, applying insights to enhance lab capability.

• Uphold and promote a strong safety culture, ensuring daily laboratory operations comply with KO OHS standards.

What We’re Looking For:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Analytical Science, Food Science, Agricultural Chemistry, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in microbiology, analytical testing, quality assurance, or laboratory work in the food/beverage or pharmaceutical industry.

• Strong understanding of laboratory methods, microbiology, and analytical instrumentation.

• Knowledge of thermal processing, beverage manufacturing, disinfectants, and quality management systems (HACCP, ISO, etc.) preferred.

• Experience in structured problem‑solving and factual root‑cause analysis with a commitment to quality.

• Ability to supervise and guide technicians effectively.

• Business‑level proficiency in Japanese, English is a plus.

• Continuous learning mindset and willingness to adopt new analytical and digital technologies.

What We Can Do for You:

Broad Technical Experience

• Gain hands‑on experience across microbiological methods, ingredient quality assurance, and analytical risk assessment supporting diverse product categories and processes.

Collaborative Culture

• Work alongside experts across R&D, Supply Chain, OU teams, and global microbiology networks — fostering deep collaboration and co‑creation across regions and disciplines.

Iconic & Expansive Brand Portfolio

• Contribute to a broad portfolio including Sparkling, Coffee, Tea, Sports, Water, Energy, Dairy, Alcohol, and emerging beverage innovations.

Consumer & Customer Focus

• Help us uphold our commitment to “refresh the world and make a difference,” ensuring safety, quality, and trust across all products.

Growth Through a Hyper‑Global Network

• Engage with global teams, bottling partners, and cross‑regional networks to learn, share, and scale best practices.

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 Behavior

• Act Like an Owner: Deliver results, creating value for our brands, our System, our customers and key stakeholders.

• Collaborate with the System, Customers and Key Stakeholders

• Develops 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.