Associate Scientist: Gum & Mint Product Development

Mars (New); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars (New) is seeking an Associate Scientist to develop and optimize gum and mint formulations across the portfolio. The role involves taking consumer insights from benchtop prototypes to factory-scale production, working with Marketing, Supply Chain, Packaging, Quality, and Procurement to deliver successful launches.

You will design formulations, lead projects to timelines and budgets, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to validate on full-scale lines while ensuring product quality and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience in a food lab, test kitchen, or pilot plant.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and clear communication.
• Willingness to travel up to 15%.
• 1–3 years of FMCG product development experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and test gum and mint formulations in the laboratory and pilot plant, focusing on flavor release, texture, chew profile, sweetness longevity, and freshness
• Lead the technical delivery of assigned innovation, cost-optimization, and ingredient-continuity projects within agreed timelines and budgets
• Partner with manufacturing and factory innovation teams to test and validate formulations on full-scale production lines
• Create and maintain accurate raw material, recipe, and finished product specifications to ensure consistent product quality, food safety compliance, and accurate costing
• Partner effectively with Marketing, Supply Chain, Packaging, Quality, and Procurement to evaluate project feasibility and ensure smooth commercial launches
• Apply sound scientific methods and root-cause analysis to troubleshoot recipe, stability, or processing issues

Skills

Hands-on lab experience

Project management

Problem solving

Clear communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline

Job description

Mars (New) is seeking an Associate Scientist to develop and optimize gum and mint formulations across the portfolio. The role involves taking consumer insights from benchtop prototypes to factory-scale production, working with Marketing, Supply Chain, Packaging, Quality, and Procurement to deliver successful launches.

You will design formulations, lead projects to timelines and budgets, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to validate on full-scale lines while ensuring product quality and