Senior Research Scientist

Mars Food & Nutrition is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Senior Food Scientist to join our Science & Technology (S&T) team.

• Collaborate with the Science Platform Lead to shape, develop, and execute science projects aligned with our S&T strategy.
• Provide technical leadership on functional food ingredients, focusing on flavor and texture drivers across Mars Food & Nutrition.
• Establish and manage science projects both internally and with external research partners.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives with internal and external collaborators, ensuring effective project organization and timely updates.
• Organize and plan lab and pilot-scale trials, demonstrating strong organizational skills and engaging with relevant experts.
• Manage science projects through the stage-gate process, including budgeting, reporting, knowledge capture, and CAPEX input.
• Generate new intellectual property (IP) for the company and manage IP portfolios, including securing patents and ensuring compliance.
• Contribute to the development of a high-performing global S&T team.
• Communicate project and technical findings effectively to inform and influence key stakeholders.
• Structure data and results into technical memos, providing status updates and ensuring seamless knowledge transfer.
• Write high-quality technical reports and literature reviews with minimal guidance, and mentor junior colleagues.
• Influence senior stakeholders for project and platform steering and decision-making.

• Master's degree in food science, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or related fields is required; a PhD is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience post-PhD or 7 years post-master's, with at least 3 years in an FMCG environment.
• Strong understanding of food material properties, food flavor and texture, functional food ingredients and food rheology.
• Proficiency in using analytical instruments for studying food structure design and conducting sensory evaluations.
• Demonstrated experience in food structure design and the development of flavor, taste, and texture.
• Knowledge of functional ingredients, food emulsions, and food processing practices.
• Solid project management skills, including the ability to influence and communicate complex information to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management and networking skills, with the ability to connect with internal and external partners.
• Collaborative mindset to lead in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Experience with ready-to-heat meals, sauces, and dressings, as well as structural modeling in food, is a plus.

• Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary based on the experience and benefits package, including company bonus.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.