Packaging Testing Senior Scientist H/F/X

Job Description

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.