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Mars UK • Waltham, Leicestershire, United Kingdom

Senior Research Scientist - Biomarkers of Health

Job Description

Job Description:

Join the Waltham Petcare Science Institute and make a difference in the world of pet health!

Are you passionate about improving the lives of pets and their owners? Do you thrive in a dynamic research environment where innovation and scientific excellence are valued? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

Waltham Petcare Science Institute, the science centre for Mars Petcare, is seeking a talented individual to join our team in Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire. As a Senior Research Scientist in our Biomarkers of Health team, you will play a crucial role in designing and delivering projects that drive our understanding of pet health and wellbeing.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on key strategic research areas such as healthy aging, immunity, activity, and nutrition. You will collaborate with internal and external research institutes, as well as with partners across the Mars business. Projects will involve data relating to health-associated biomarkers, coupled with associated metadata (e.g. diet, activity, behavioural markers) and may be derived from bespoke trials, -omics analysis, biobanking initiatives or electronic medical records. Your expertise in biological study design and deep knowledge of biological data analysis will be essential in uncovering valuable insights and leveraging the power of data to improve pet health.

To excel in this role, you should hold a PhD in a biological sciences-related subject, with proven relevant experience (e.g. postdoctoral) in bioinformatics or data science. You should have experience in programming languages such as R or Python as well as a strong technical background in experimental design, statistical data analytics, and working with large data sets.

As a Senior Research Scientist, you will have the opportunity to manage interdisciplinary projects and will ensure research outputs are effectively captured and translated into innovative products and services for Mars Petcare (e.g. patents, support for health claims). In this respect you will have a high learning agility and be able to develop expertise in areas that are new and use your problem-solving skills to develop novel solutions to technical challenges. You will collaborate with diverse teams and make critical decisions to ensure successful project outcomes. Your work will contribute to the development of products and services that have a direct impact on pet health and nutrition.

At Waltham, we believe in the power of communication and collaboration. You will have the chance to present your research findings at scientific meetings, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to the reputation of the Biomarkers of Health team. In addition, you will provide technical support and expertise to the global Mars Petcare business, furthering our commitment to creating a better world for pets.

When you join Waltham Petcare Science Institute, you become part of a global community of over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by our Five Principles. We are a purpose-driven company that strives to build the world we want tomorrow, today. You will have access to best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including our in-house Mars University. We offer an industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

If you are ready to be at the forefront of scientific research, driving innovation in pet health and nutrition, apply now to join the Waltham Petcare Science Institute. Help us fulfil our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

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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.

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
Shared parental leave
Adoption leave
Family health insurance
Pregnancy support
Neo-natal leave
Faith rooms
Meditation space
Dog friendly office
Dog friendly co-working space
Annual bonus
Employee discounts
Cinema discounts
Referral bonus
Joining bonus
Cycle to work scheme
Electric Car Salary Sacrifice
Enhanced pension match/contribution
Theme park discounts
Lunch and learns
In house training
LinkedIn learning license
Studying sabbaticals
Open to part time work for some roles

Working at Mars UK

Company employees:

4,000 In the UK

Gender diversity (m:f):

57:43

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Awards & Accreditations

1st – Family Friendly

1st – Family Friendly

Flexa awards 2025
2nd – Pet Friendly

2nd – Pet Friendly

Flexa awards 2025
Flexible

Flexible

Flexa awards 2025
Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion

Flexa awards 2025
Work-Life Balance

Work-Life Balance

Flexa awards 2025
Career Progression

Career Progression

Flexa awards 2025
Culture

Culture

Flexa awards 2025
Benefits

Benefits

Flexa awards 2025
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