Associate Scientist Product Development

Mars•Chicago, IL

4d•$74,511 - $102,453•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Scientist develops and executes new product formulations, line extensions, and product improvements across the Gum & Mints portfolio (such as Extra, Airwaves and Hubba Bubba). Working closely with cross-functional partners, this role turns consumer insights into tangible, great-tasting products from initial benchtop prototype through to factory scale-up.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, a related scientific discipline or equivalent
Hands-on experience in a food lab, test kitchen, or pilot plant environment
Solid project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Strong problem-solving mindset and technical curiosity
Clear oral and written communication skills
Ability to travel up to 15%

Nice To Haves

1–3 years of FMCG product development experience

Responsibilities

Product Formulation & Prototyping: Design and test gum and mint formulations in the laboratory and pilot plant, focusing on flavor release, texture, chew profile, sweetness longevity, and freshness
Project Execution: Lead the technical delivery of assigned innovation, cost-optimization, and ingredient-continuity projects within agreed timelines and budgets
Scale-up & Factory Trials: Partner with manufacturing and factory innovation teams to test and validate formulations on full-scale production lines
Specifications & Quality: Create and maintain accurate raw material, recipe, and finished product specifications to ensure consistent product quality, food safety compliance, and accurate costing
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with Marketing, Supply Chain, Packaging, Quality, and Procurement to evaluate project feasibility and ensure smooth commercial launches
Problem Solving: Apply sound scientific methods and root-cause analysis to troubleshoot recipe, stability, or processing issues