Sr. Associate Scientist - NA Lab

Job Description:

Job Summary/Purpose: 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.