Flexa
Mars UK • United Kingdom

Scientist- Laboratory

Employment type:  Full time

2 days/week at home

Core hours 11–3

Dog friendly

Job Description

Job Description:

To develop in vitro methods that compliment in vivo testing of host-microbe interactions (host in this case being dog and cat). Methods may include in vitro models, assays or screens to develop our understanding of the host-microbe interactions (for example gut, skin or oral axes). Methods should aim to incorporate recent advancements in molecular microbiology and should complement and enhance our ability to interpret genomic and metagenomic data. As such, an understanding of a range of molecular microbiology techniques and data-handling is desirable.

What are we looking for?

  • Must have BSc degree, desirable to have further education (Masters or PhD), in molecular microbiology or related scientific discipline.

  • Desirable to have experience of working in R&D or related industry.

  • Experience of developing in vitro methods to understand host-microbe interactions.

  • Knowledge of isolation, growth, fermentation, and characterization of fastidious bacterial species.

  • Knowledge of a range of molecular microbiology techniques and an understanding of the role of genomics in microbiology research.

  • Data manipulation and handling skills using large data sets (e.g. R or Python) is desirable.

What will be your key responsibilities?

  • Working in partnership with a wide range of other scientists to bring knowledge and experience to develop new laboratory methods across different research streams, such as biomarker discovery and deepening our understanding of the microbiome and its effect on the host.

  • Laboratory studies are required to be planned, managed and executed by the role-holder and the subsequent collation, interpretation and presentation of experimental data delivered to a broad range of internal and external partners.

  • Laboratory oversight of a laboratory area. Duties include oversight of the equipment, resources and maintenance of the area, training and reviewing the quality of work delivered by a group of scientists working in your area (up to 5), disseminating health and safety requirements when performing work in the lab, supervision and support of others working in your lab. The role-holder will work with the wider laboratory team to drive efficiency and implement continuous improvement initiatives in HSE and quality data.

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.

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.

Company benefits

Open to part-time employees
Open to job sharing
Open to compressed hours
Sabbaticals
Enhanced maternity leave – 26 weeks at 90% pay
Enhanced paternity leave – 26 weeks at 90% pay
24 days annual leave + bank holidays
“Pawternity” leave
Pregnancy loss leave
Bank holiday swaps
Location
94%
Employees are very happy with their working location freedom
Hours
91%
Employees are very happy with the flexibility in the hours they work
Benefits
84%
Employees are very happy with the benefits their company offers
Work-life balance
80%
Employees feel that they can switch off quite easily from work
Role modelling
81%
Employees feel that flexible working is part of the culture
Autonomy
90%
Employees feel they have complete autonomy over getting their work done

Additional employee ratings
(these do not contribute to the FlexScore®)

Diversity
75%
Employees feel that the diversity is good and there are continued efforts to improve it
Inclusion
78%
Employees feel that the culture supports equity and inclusivity well
Culture
86%
Employees feel like it is a really great environment to work in
Mission
84%
Employees feel very excited about and aligned with the company mission
Salary
70%
Employees feel that their salary is good and matches the value they bring

Working at Mars UK

Company employees

4,000 In the UK

Gender diversity (male:female)

57:43

Office locations

London, Slough, Waltham, Castle Cary, Birstall, Plymouth

Hiring Countries

Brazil
France
Netherlands
United Kingdom
United States

Awards & Achievements

1st – Large companies

1st – Large companies

Flexa100 2024
Consumer Goods

Consumer Goods

Industry awards 2023
3rd – Large companies

3rd – Large companies

Flexa100 2023
Retail & Ecommerce

Retail & Ecommerce

Industry awards 2022