Senior Principal Scientist, Global Scientific & Regulatory Affairs (SRA)

Mars • Chicago, IL

29d

About The Position

The Senior Principal Scientist, Global SRA leads the evaluation, interpretation and advising on actions to be taken for emerging scientific and regulatory information on ingredients in food and packaging to enable our freedom to operate. This position creates and leads globally aligned regulatory and scientific messaging, which can be leveraged by the organization both externally and internally. It contributes to scientific assessments, maintains external scientific contacts, and demonstrates leadership in trade and scientific associations. A demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across teams, adapt seamlessly to ambiguity, and maintain a mindset focused on continuous improvement are essential. Equally important is a proactive curiosity and enthusiasm for leveraging AI tools to enhance research, streamline analysis, and drive innovative solutions.

Requirements

• Masters in toxicology, chemistry, biochemistry, veterinary sciences or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience with food (pet or human), cosmetic or pharmaceutical company in regulatory & scientific affairs focused on ingredient management of products and packaging and/or related product categories (such as pet food, food supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics) with proficiency in regulatory affairs and compliance.
• Demonstrated 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 with trade associations and government agencies to clarify and resolve regulatory matters is required.
• Ability to travel 20% International

Nice To Haves

• PhD preferred.

Responsibilities

• Technical Issues Management & Foresight
• Monitors, reviews, and interprets new scientific literature for ingredients in food and packaging via horizon scanning.
• Leads in trade association or other organizations leveraging technical advocacy skills to proactively address those with impact
• Reviews methodologies used for novel ingredient assessments coupled with understanding of regulatory requirements to determine path for regulatory approvals to support commercialization.
• Leads technical scientific issues related to ingredients in food and packaging.
• The role ensures that issues, trends, risks and opportunities are appropriately communicated and addressed to support the company’s proactive approach to scientific and regulatory aspects of ingredients in food and packaging.
• Develops and maintains strong scientific networks and works with other Mars segments to establish science policy and scientific positions on ingredients in food and packaging.
• Provides strategic advice, solutions and technical expertise to regional SRA teams, R&D and regional guidelines and policies and ensures governance and compliance with these and other Mars policies.
• Scientific & Regulatory Communication
• Develops and communicates science-based information and positions and provides regulatory and scientific guidance to key internal stakeholders (Science, Technology, Product Development, Corporate Affairs, Legal, and Senior Management) on current and emerging scientific and regulatory issues of interest.
• Prepares clear, concise summaries of scientific findings and regulatory updates for internal use.
• Collaborates with internal teams to communicate external trends and regulatory changes.
• Adopting AI-Driven Approaches
• 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.
• Continuous Improvement
• 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 advancement.

Benefits

• Work with 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior