Sr. Scientist, Consumer Technical Insights

Mars; Franklin (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mars University access

Industry competitive salary

Company bonus

Job summary

Mars Petcare in Franklin, TN is seeking a senior researcher to lead palatability and flavor performance programs for our dry, wet, care and treats portfolio. You will drive palatability research, ensure quality scientific input, and collaborate with platform leaders to test and implement actions that improve product performance.

The role requires advanced degrees in food science/chemistry and substantial experience in palatability/flavor development, with a track record of cross‑functional

Qualifications

• Minimum master's in food science/chemistry or related discipline.
• PhD in food science/chemistry or related discipline preferred.
• 5+ years flavor palatability experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead palatability research projects aligned with key stakeholders.
• Provide input on stability and critical success factors of products to meet internal guidelines.
• Identify gaps in knowledge and technologies in pet food palatability and related areas.
• Identify opportunities for collaborative research with internal and external teams.
• Supervise projects and workstreams led by other research scientists in pet food palatability areas.
• Own the regional product performance system planning, execution and reporting.

Skills

Palatability research

Flavor delivery

Project management

Analytical methods

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in food science/chemistry

PhD in food science/chemistry

Job description

Job Description:

Purpose of Role

To provide expertise in all areas of product performance, including palatability, digestibility & stability of our portfolio across dry, wet & care & treats.

Ensures all aspects of internal and external science provisions in this field (internal and external research projects) are delivered to the appropriate quality and technical standards as demanded by the Global Petcare business.

Delivers palatability and flavor application technology for pet food products for Mars Petcare North America covering the needs of pets and pet owners.

Supports ongoing monitoring and management of the regional performance program, including working with platform leaders on the selection, testing and follow through on any actions related to product performance

Provides solutions to product developers to ensure competitive performance of our portfolio

Principle Accountabilities

• Embrace and live the Mars culture by leading with The Five Principles.
• Initiation and leading of pet food palatability research projects and programs aligned with key stakeholders
• Provide input and feedback on the stability and critical success factors of our products to ensure they meet the Mars internal guidelines
• Identification of gaps in knowledge and technologies in pet food palatability and related scientific areas.
• Identification of opportunities for collaborative research work with internal and external (outside Mars) teams to initiate and execute projects aimed to support achievement of palatability goals.
• Supervise projects and workstreams led by other research scientists in pet food palatability areas.
• Involvement in global knowledge transfer activities with the global functional teams & communities
• Work with internal & external stakeholders
• Own the regional Mars product performance system planning, execution & reporting through business forums

Critical Mars Leadership Capabilities

• Delivers Consistent Results
• Creates Collaborative Relationships Key Supporting Competencies
• Drive for results
• Functional/Technical Skills
• Priority Setting
• Peer Relationships
• Customer Focus
• Listening

Critical Functional Competencies

• Research Deign and Execution
• Internal & External Networks
• Influencing
• External Influence & Collaboration
• Communication of Research Outcomes
• Business Acumen

Key Functional Skills/Knowledge

• A thorough understanding of analytical methods and palatant/flavor delivery solutions.
• A thorough understanding of food/flavor chemistry in the food matrix.
• A thorough understanding of Project management.
• Broad understanding of the pet food industry, consumer trends and scientific innovations.
• Highly intellectually curious to find and develop solutions.
• Strong communication skills to clearly articulate study objectives and outputs

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum masters in food science/chemistry sciences or similar discipline

Preferred Qualifications

• Greater than 5 years' experience in developing palatability/flavor applications for human or pet foods.
• PhD in food science/chemistry sciences or similar discipline

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.