Associate Scientist - Lab Operations

Job Description:
The Lab OperationsAssociate Scientist is expected to provide leadership and support in maintaining fully operational, efficient, and streamlined services within part of our Science and Technology (S+T) Research Laboratories (3rd floor of our Global Innovation Center - GIC). The role is instrumental to enabling our simplification and efficiency strategic goals, and to supporting associate engagement. In addition, the role holds a QMP (Quality Management Program) dimension, and the successful applicant will be expected to lead the QMP-Lab Operations track and assist in maintaining our compliance to QMP standards, especially for our Instrument Maintenance program and FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) -compliant laboratory space. Finally, the successful applicant will be expected to collaborate with external partners, with the internal lab user community and Lab Operations stakeholders to provide continuous improvement.
What are we looking for?
Minimum Requirements

• Associate degree in food science, Food Chemistry, Biology, Chemistry or related technical field OR 5+ years of experience in a related field
• Good understanding of scientific principles (chemical, microbiological, physical) associated with food systems, food preparation, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and ingredient and ingredient/process interactions; HACCP working knowledge.
• Knowledge and experience with basic analytical instrumentation (e.g.: analytical scales, pH meters).
• Good working knowledge of project management principles.
• Proficient math and computer skills are required (Excel, PowerPoint and Word).
• Proficient in and consistently uses good documentation practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Biology, Chemistry or related technical field
• Experience in Project Management certification and/or QMP/FSMA experience.
• 3+ years of work experience in R&D in the food manufacturing or related industry.
• Knowledge and experience with advanced analytical instrumentation (GC, LC, MS)

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Leading our external Instrument Maintenance Program,
• Coordinating Instrument Preventative Maintenance actions,
• Ensuring compliance to our QMP lab standards,
• Managing and maintaining FSMA compliance in our bench-scale cocoa processing laboratory,
• Representing Lab operations in our local QMP leadership team (GIC 3rd Floor),
• Partnering and communicating with our lab user community on lab operation matters,
• Procuring and managing the inventory of common consumables needed for laboratory operations,
• Supporting laboratory CAB initiatives in support of our Reinvention agenda,
• Diagnosing, managing and resolving operational issues in our 3rd floor S+T labs,
• Partnering with other S+T laboratory leads to share best practices and participate in a Lab Operation global community of practice,
• Partnering with Safety lead counterparts to keep abreast of Safety considerations and needs (please note that this Lab Operations role does include formal safety related goals), and
• Partnering with Facility Management lead counterparts to manage impact of building work on GIC 3rd floor Lab Operations and to ensure servicing of lab spaces.

What can you 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 and benefits package, including company bonus.

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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.