JOB DESCRIPTION:

Segment : Mars Global Services
Contract : Permanent/CDI
Localisation : Aimargues, Veghel
As a Principal Scientist - Food Testing, you’ll be at the heart of our mission to ensure the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of raw materials and finished products across Mars. In this global expert role, you’ll combine your deep technical knowledge with a passion for collaboration guiding labs, mentoring teams, and translating complex science into real-world solutions.
You’ll help shape the future of our lab services by developing robust testing strategies, solving critical food safety incidents, and building the capabilities of our global laboratory network. This is your chance to lead with impact and drive excellence in food testing, every step of the way.
What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a principal scientific expert in analytical chemistry with strong leadership, mentoring, and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will bring:

• A degree in Analytical Chemistry or a related field — with 10+ years of experience in laboratory testing
• Deep hands-on expertise in techniques like UV, HPLC, GC, Mass Spectrometry, and wet chemistry
• Strong knowledge in specialized testing areas such as mycotoxins, oxidation, heavy metals, pesticides, vitamins, and food adulteration
• Proven success in incident and crisis management, troubleshooting, and risk mitigation
• Experience building testing strategies, governance tools, and performance metrics
• A track record of mentoring, training, and developing technical teams
• Strong understanding of global food safety regulations (e.g. FDA, EFSA, Codex) and lab standards like ISO 17025
• Fluent English and excellent communication skills, especially with cross-functional and international stakeholders
• A role model in analytical method validation, from design through to implementation and review
• Strong knowledge in food (confectionery is a plus); and ideally as well in pet food