Job Description:

Segment: Food & Nutrition

Location: Oud-Beijerland

Type contract: Permanent contract

Are you ready to shape the future of food at Mars? Join our Food & Nutrition business unit and become part of a global team that’s passionate about science, innovation, and making a positive impact on health and wellbeing. At Mars, we believe tomorrow starts today—and we’re looking for a Senior Research Scientist (Ingredient Functionality) who shares our vision.

About the Role

As a Senior Research Scientist in Ingredient Functionality, you’ll be at the heart of our Science & Technology team within Mars Food & Nutrition. Your mission? To drive new scientific discoveries that fuel innovation—short, medium, and long term. You’ll operate globally, collaborating with diverse teams and external partners to develop and transfer breakthrough products and technologies that delight consumers and deliver value.

What are your Key Responsibilities?

• Shape, develop, and execute science projects that enable our Science & Technology strategy
• Manage projects in ambiguous environments, coach and influence senior stakeholders, and initiate impactful projects
• Drive cross-functional initiatives with Mars and external collaborators, ensuring research integrity and timely updates
• Organize, plan, and execute experimental trials at lab, pilot, and commercial scale
• Manage science projects through the stage gate process, including budget, reporting, and knowledge capture
• Generate and secure intellectual property (IP), inventions, patents, and portfolio compliance
• Communicate project findings clearly to teams and stakeholders, ensuring seamless knowledge transfer
• Write high-quality technical reports and literature reviews with minimal guidance

What are we looking for

We seek a scientific leader with deep expertise in food ingredients functionality and product design. Especially functional ingredients linked to health and wellbeing. You understand how ingredients interact, how processing impacts functionality, and how to translate scientific insights into product design. You thrive in ambiguity, lead projects end-to-end, and inspire teams to deliver excellence.

Key Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in food science, food engineering, food technology, chemical engineering, or related fields with 7+ years relevant experience, OR
• PhD in food science, food engineering, food technology, chemical engineering, or related fields with 5+ years relevant experience
• Proven expertise in functional ingredients, product design, and process/product interactions
• Strong analytical skills, experimental rigor, and scientific communication
• 5+ years experience in food R&D and ready-to-heat meals and sauces is a plus
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills

What You Can Expect from Mars

• Work with over 130,000 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.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary based on the experience and benefits package, including company bonus.

​Ready to Make a Difference?

At Mars Food & Nutrition, we’re committed to creating healthier, tastier, and more sustainable food for everyone. If you’re passionate about science, innovation, and making a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us build the future of food!