Packaging Testing Senior Scientist H/F/X

Job Description: Segment : Mars Global Services Contract : Permanent/CDI Localisation : Aimargues As a Packaging Testing Senior Scientist, you’ll play a critical role in making sure our packaging materials are safe, high-quality, and fully compliant with global regulations. You’ll lead the development and validation of cutting-edge testing methods — working with both internal labs and trusted external partners — to ensure we deliver products that meet the highest standards of safety and performance. What are we looking for? A Master’s or PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Material Science, Packaging Science, or a related field At least 7 years of hands-on experience in packaging testing, ideally in the food, cosmetics, or consumer goods industry Deep understanding of packaging materials — from plastics and recycled content to adhesives, inks, and paper Experience in Food Contact Materials (FCM), Chemical Migration testing, and NIAS screening (from method development to data interpretation) Strong technical skills in laboratory testing methods such as GC, HPLC, MS, ICP, SPE, and more Solid knowledge of food contact regulations (EU 10/2011, FDA CFR 21), and ideally ISO 17025 lab requirements Experience working with or managing global lab networks, including method transfer and troubleshooting Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate complex science into clear actions Fluent English (spoken and written) What would be your key responsibilities? Lead Packaging Testing Capabilities Design and validate testing methods to assess packaging safety, compliance, and performance Monitor emerging risks and new testing trends (e.g., PFAS, microplastics, NIAS, etc.) Ensure our methods meet business and regulatory needs worldwide Build & Manage External Lab Partnerships Identify and qualify third-party labs to support global packaging testing Create strong technical collaborations across chemistry, toxicology, and regulatory science Support labs with expert guidance, method troubleshooting, and continuous improvement Ensure Quality, Compliance, and Operational Excellence Deliver high-quality technical documentation (SOPs, protocols, QC plans) Drive consistency and accuracy across internal and external lab networks Act as a technical owner for packaging methods within our global governance system Drive Innovation and Lab Capability Building Recommend new testing technologies and equipment based on business needs Contribute to investment decisions and help shape the future of Mars’ testing infrastructure Support global lab teams with training, method development, and operational excellence initiatives What can you expect from Mars? Join our Center of Expertise, based in the beautiful South of France (Montpellier/Nîmes area), on the Royal Canin Headquarters campus ; a dynamic, international hub for innovation in pet nutrition and science. This unique campus brings together over 800 associates from 40+ nationalities, two laboratories, a kennel and cattery home to more than 400 pets, and Royal Canin’s most iconic factory. As part of Mars Inc., you belong to a global, family-owned business made up of multiple segments – including Petcare, Snacking, Food & Nutrition. This cross-segment ecosystem offers diverse career paths and rich collaboration opportunities. 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®, 5™, 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 Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.