Sr. Flavor Scientist

Flavor understanding and development are critical and leading capabilities for Mars Wrigley.  The Cocoa Flavor Senior Scientist is expected to work in support of the Global Cocoa R&D programs in all aspects of flavor chemistry and flavor development, with emphasis on (cocoa) plant biochemistry, as well as collaborate with cross-functional teams within R&D and other functional teams in Supply, Commercial, Finance, Legal, Regulatory Affairs, Intellectual Property, and Mars Advanced Research Institute (MARI). More specifically, the Cocoa Flavor Senior Scientist will provide analytical and plant biochemistry expertise to support the business objectives of internal Mars Wrigley stakeholders by providing strategic technical direction specifically in cocoa flavor chemistry, plant metabolism, analytical methods/protocols as well as technical training and lead research initiatives which increase the foundational understanding of flavor science.  The associate will be responsible for designing comprehensive research plans that include thorough literature reviews, identifying intellectual property opportunities and utilizing expertise in plant and flavor chemistry to understand raw ingredients and process technologies. The Scientist is expected to have a high level of technical skills across a breadth of disciplines and be able to demonstrate a high level of learning agility.  They will share knowledge and insights with the business and partner with suppliers, universities, and research consortia to strengthen Mars Wrigley’s global position in snacks and treats. 

What are we looking for?

• Minimum: BS in Plant Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, or related discipline and 5 years of related experience, a MS degree with 3 years of experience or a PhD. Experience or minor in plant biochemistry a must (preferably Cocoa).
• Preferred: MS in Plant Biochemistry, Biochemistry, or related discipline and 3-5 years of related flavor industry experience (preferably related to Cocoa).
• The candidate will be skilled in flavor plant biochemistry, chemistry, formulation, and analytical and sensory analysis.  This includes expertise in various analytical instrumentation (GC-FID, GC-MS, GC-O, HPLC, LC-MS/MS, SAFE) and Aroma Extract Dilution Analysis (AEDA).  Also, an understanding of plant genetics, sensory and consumer insight tools and techniques. 

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Leads research projects to deliver novel processes, products and ingredients for global and local applications by applying scientific rigor through extensive understanding of plant chemistry and flavor science principles.
• Readily applies and transfers scientific knowledge in plant and flavor chemistry to help identify, manage, and mitigate business risk for products and processes.
• Effectively develops and presents technical findings to internal peers as well as stakeholders.
• Acts as technical resource for cross-functional projects within Mars Wrigley.
• Builds expertise and benchmark through relationships with external communities.
• Manages own time to meet agreed targets, develops plans for short term work activities in own work area.
• Independently develops continuous improvement strategies for the individual and group processes within the laboratory.
• Promotes teamwork, coaches, and guides others.
• Applies most appropriate analytical tools for experimental designs and studies.
• Analyzes complex samples utilizing appropriate instrumentation (e.g. GC, LC, MS, GCO, SAFE) and provide evaluation and interpretation of resulting data.
• Gathers information & documents into the relevant knowledge management systems (e.g. Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)).
• Drives cross-functional collaborations within R&D, and Quality & Food Safety (Q&FS). Helps develop and implements effective strategies to achieve exceptional product attributes and food safety.
• Keeps the laboratory organized, clean, and safe to ensure an efficient work environment. This includes tasks such as ordering supplies, keeping track of orders in progress, identifying and communicating with potential suppliers, creating instrument and safety related documents, and conducting necessary maintenance.
• Collaboratively works with Intellectual Property (IP) team, generate and maintain world class knowledge and IP strategy early on latest emerging technologies, global scientific and technological advances in areas of concern, including competitive IP awareness and monitoring.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded 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.
• Best-in-class 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.

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About Mars:
Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5â„¢, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL® and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitalsâ„¢, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCAâ„¢ and Pet Partnersâ„¢. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 130,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Disclaimer:
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.​​​​​​​

Note to Search Firms/Agencies:
Mars, Incorporated and its subsidiaries and affiliates (Mars) do not compensate search firms for unsolicited assistance unless they have a written search agreement with Mars and the requisition is position-specific.  Any resumes, curriculum vitae, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a written search agreement or position-specific requisition submitted to any Associate of Mars will be deemed the sole property of Mars and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Mars.