R&D Executive (Material & Product Development)

Mars; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars in Singapore is seeking a researcher to lead applied scientific work in material science and support the deployment of new food products. You will define technical specs for materials, partner with research institutes, run lab experiments, and translate findings into scalable plant trials. The role requires collaboration across internal teams and travel for trials.

Qualifications

• Strong technical curiosity and analytical mindset.
• Experience with laboratory instruments and material characterization.
• Exposure to scientific research in an R&D setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead applied scientific research in material science and characterization.
• Coordinate external collaborations with institutes and universities.
• Translate lab findings into process-ready specifications and plant trials.
• Prepare technical documentation, standards, and IP-compliant records.
• Support deployment of new product launches through pilot-scale testing and scaling.

Skills

Data modeling

Lab instrumentation

Pilot-scale equipment

Analytical chemistry

Education

Bachelor's degree in Material Science/related field

Job description

What makes this opportunity truly special?

This role is part of a dedicated programme that offers you the opportunity to pursue a Master's by Research while gaining hands-on industry experience, with tuition fees expected to be covered by the programme. You'll undertake a research project in collaboration with a university and the hiring company, allowing you to deepen your scientific expertise while applying your learning to meaningful, real-world R&D challenges.

Summary

• The key design of the role is to lead applied scientific research in material science (70%) while supporting deployment of new food product launches (30%)
• The role will bridge fundamental research and commercial application by defining physical/chemical specifications of raw materials (seasoning) and finished products, partnering with research institutes and external agencies, and conducting laboratory and plant trials
• Based at our R&D facility in Science Park, this position requires seamless collaboration with external research partners, universities, and suppliers, as well as cross-functional internal teams (Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, and Project Management). Travel is also required for plant trials and partner collaboration

A Taste of What You'll Be Doing

70% - Material Science & Scientific Research

• Material Science & Characterization: Lead scientific research to understand the functional, structural, and physical-chemical properties of food materials and ingredients of seasoning; establish precise technical specifications for new materials and finished products
• External Research Collaboration: Serve as the primary technical liaison with research institutes, universities, and government/industry agencies to co-develop, benchmark, and evaluate novel material technologies
• Front-End Innovation & Analytical Study: Design and execute advanced lab experiments, physical/chemical analytical testing, and structure-function mapping to drive sustainable and next-generation ingredient innovation
• Documentation & IP Compliance: Maintain accurate research records, draft technical white papers/specifications, and ensure full compliance with laboratory standards and intellectual property guidelines
• Plant Trials & Scaling: Translate laboratory research into commercial realities by leading plant trials, preparing change management documentation, executing on-site factory trials, and establishing plant SOPs
• Supplier & Specification Alignment: Work with ingredient and seasoning suppliers against technical briefs, develop product scorecards, and align specs with cross-functional teams
• Quality & Value Engineering: Support product shelf-life studies, Nutritional Information Panel (NIP) evaluations, value engineering projects, and root-cause quality troubleshooting
• Operational & Logistical Support: Represent R&D in cross-functional project meetings independently

We're Looking for Someone With

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Material Science, Food Structure/Physics, Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field
• Experience: Ideally 1-2 years' experience (also accepting fresh graduates) in an R&D laboratory or research environment, with demonstrated exposure to material characterization or scientific research
• Competencies: Strong technical curiosity, analytical data modeling skills, and hands-on comfort with both laboratory instruments and pilot-scale/factory equipment