Senior Principal Scientist - Global Scientific & Regulatory Affairs (SRA) Center of Excellence (CoE)

Mars•Chicago, IL

1d•$153,600 - $211,200

About The Position

The Senior Principal Scientist SRA COE serves as the global lead for evaluating, interpreting and proactively forecasting emerging scientific and regulatory developments on ingredients and packaging to ensure ‘freedom to operate’ for Mars Snacking. Operating within a predictive 3–5 year time horizon. This subject matter expert identifies and analyzes early "pre-regulatory" signals—including emerging scientific trends, shifting government hazard/risk assessment endpoints and novel testing methodologies in the area of food contact material, novel ingredients and regulated contaminants—serving as a critical technical engine for global-scale risk management programs. This role develops globally aligned regulatory and scientific positions and strategies, maintains robust external networks and drives leadership in key trade and scientific associations to shape the external landscape. An exceptional ability to navigate ambiguity, collaborate globally and champion continuous improvement is essential, paired with a proactive enthusiasm for leveraging AI tools to accelerate research, streamline technical analysis and drive innovative scientific solutions.

Requirements

Minimum of master's degree in toxicology, chemistry, biochemistry, veterinary sciences or related scientific discipline. PhD preferred.
Minimum of 7 years' experience with food (pet or human), cosmetic, pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing company in regulatory & scientific affairs focused on risk and opportunity management of food products and packaging and/or related product categories. 10 years' experience preferred.
A demonstrated strong understanding of the global human and/or pet food regulatory and ingredient environment; demonstrated track record of working successfully across functions to achieve shared goals; and proven ability to interact cross-functionally at all levels within the organization are required.
Experience working internationally with trade associations and government agencies to engage in regulatory matters is required.

Nice To Haves

PhD preferred.
10 years' experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitors, reviews, and interprets new scientific literature for ingredients in food and packaging, with an emphasis on regulated contaminants and food contact material.
Proactively identifies and captures emerging, "pre-regulatory" signals—such as early-stage scientific trends, shifts in government hazard/risk assessment endpoints and novel testing methodologies—translating them into strategic business intelligence.
Maintain a robust, influential network within key trade organizations and external scientific bodies to responsibly shape regulatory policy developments and advocate for industry-wide alignment.
Reviews methodologies used for novel ingredient and food contact material assessments coupled with understanding of regulatory requirements to determine path for regulatory approvals to support commercialization.
Leads technical scientific issues for Mars related to food packaging. The role ensures that issues, trends, risks and opportunities are appropriately categorized and escalated to support the company’s proactive approach to scientific and regulatory strategy development.
Works with Mars Inc. Associates and other segments to establish enterprise-level science policy and scientific positions.
Develops and communicates science and regulatory-based communication, customized for key internal stakeholders (Science, Technology, Product Development, Commercial, Corporate Affairs, Legal, and Senior Leadership) on current and emerging scientific and regulatory to shape strategic pipelines.
Prepares clear, concise summaries of scientific findings and regulatory updates for internal use.
Identifies and shapes opportunities to leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance literature reviews, data analysis and regulatory intelligence.
Stays abreast of digital innovations in SRA and the area of ingredients in food and packaging to recommend new approaches for regulatory affairs and scientific assessment.
Proactive in seeking ways to improve how scientific and regulatory affairs is practiced, ensuring we remain agile, efficient and aligned with best practices and technological advancements.
Gathers feedback from regional teams, corporate functions and business units to identify areas for increased efficiency, accuracy and knowledge sharing.
Supports the development and updating of best practice guidelines and training materials to ensure alignment with evolving regulatory requirements and scientific advancements.