Sr. Associate Scientist - NA Lab

Mars; Country Haven Estates (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars is seeking a Senior Associate Scientist in the U.S. to support regional and global R&D teams. You will conduct physical and chemical analyses on raw materials and finished products, emphasize front end innovation, and communicate insights to PNNA and Global R&D stakeholders.

You will work with large cross functional teams to achieve strategic objectives. The role emphasizes analytical testing, method development, and technical consultations within a dynamic food science environment.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of laboratory experience with functional/physical characterization of raw materials, in-process products, or finished goods.
• Experience with food analysis methodologies and strong data communication skills.
• Advanced education may partially substitute for required experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytics on raw ingredients and finished products to determine physical and chemical characteristics using LC-MS, GC-MS, Aroma Profiling, UV-Vis, Flowability, Rheology, and material characterization tools.
• Record results and prepare graphs/reports in ELN; present findings to R&D stakeholders.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists and engineers to design tests, interpret results, and recommend directions.
• Lead or support the development and validation of new analytical methods.

Skills

lab techniques

GC-MS

LC-MS

DSC

TGA

FT-IR

rheology

data interpretation

communication skills

Tools

ELN (electronic lab notebook)

Job description

Job Description

This Senior Associate Scientist role plays an important role in supporting, planning, and executing laboratory projects to support regional and global R&D teams. This role will be responsible for conducting physical and chemical analyses on raw materials and finished products with emphasis on front end innovation, ingredient characterization, site investigations, and product performance/competitiveness. The primary scope of this role is to execute analytical testing and communicate scientific insights, and conduct technical consultations in support of PNNA and Global R&D stakeholders. The Sr Associate Scientist will collaborate with large cross functional teams within the R&D function to achieve strategic objectives.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Experience

2-4 years' experience in a laboratory setting with functional/physical characterization of raw materials, in-process products, protein knowledge, or finished goods in food or related industries (advanced education may partially substitute for required experience).

• Proven laboratory methodology capabilities and/or familiarity with a wide range of food analysis methodologies, including but not limited to flavor/aroma characterization (GC-MS, LC-MS, GC-O), material characterization (DSC, TGA, FT-IR, etc.), rheology/flowability, and product characterization (texture, color, in-vitro digestibility)
• Excellent practical laboratory skills, including the ability to troubleshoot and maintain complex analytical instrumentation.
• Demonstrated ability to follow established laboratory safety procedures, maintain accurate records, and clearly and accurately read, write, and interpret data.
• Demonstrated and proven written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

4 - 6 years' experience with functional/physical characterization of raw materials, in-process products, or finished goods in food or related industries (advanced education may partially substitute for required experience).

• Familiarity with shelf-life testing protocols a plus

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Perform analytics on raw ingredients and finished products to determine physical and chemical characteristics and behaviors. The methods that this Sr Associate Scientist would perform may include LC-MS, GC-MS, Aroma Profiling, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Flowability and Rheology methodology, and material characterization tools such as Optical Particle Distribution, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, TGA, DVS, Texture, and Organoleptic/Sensory observations etc.
• Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports using electronic lab notebook (ELN) and clearly present experimental results to R&D stakeholders.
• Consulting with R&D scientists, engineers, and technical partners and delivering on strategic project requests. This role will frequently interface with other R&D associates to present findings, design test protocols, report data, clarify results, contribute to experimental designs, and recommend future direction for broader R&D.
• Lead or support the development, validation, and implementation of new analytical methods to address emerging technical and business needs.

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with 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. A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University. An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.