About this role
Job Description:
Microbiology Senior Scientist (F/M/X)
Location: Aimargues, near Montpellier (France)
Type of contract : Permanent (CDI)
(Onsite | ~10% Travel)
Join Mars Global Services (MGS) and play a central role in transforming our global microbiology capability. You’ll lead the development, validation, and deployment of microbiological methods across our internal and external laboratory network, partnering with segment/corporate stakeholders and MGS Regional Labs. You’ll also strengthen incident response, elevate auditor competency, and provide technical governance to ensure robust, reliable microbiology data that informs confident supply chain decisions.
What will be your key responsibilities?
Lead validation and verification of microbiological methods, ensuring robust SOPs, QC, equipment requirements and system suitability.
Scope and guide new method development with internal clients to deliver fit‑for‑purpose analytical solutions.
Drive deployment of microbiological methods across the MGS Labs region and broader Mars network.
Maintain central documentation repositories and FAQs to ensure global consistency and easy access to key information.
Provide technical governance for Q&FS microbiology methods, including oversight of the approved method list.
Lead global technical reviews of microbiological audits to ensure consistent risk evaluation and grading.
Support and coach the microbiological auditor community while defining laboratory design and equipment standards.
Troubleshoot and improve method performance across regional/site labs, and contribute to molecular biology‑related projects.
What are we looking for?
Expert knowledge in Food Microbiology testing for raw materials and finished products.
Hands‑on experience in routine microbiological laboratory operations.
Working understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 requirements (practical experience preferred).
Strong knowledge of ISO methods and international food microbiology standards.
Experience conducting laboratory audits and applying audit protocols.
Understanding of alternative methods validation standards (ISO 16140).
Ability to interpret complex microbiological data and support method‑related troubleshooting.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across a global scientific community.
What can you expect from Mars?
At Mars, we believe in a relationship of mutual trust, dignity and respect between our company and Associates that is more meaningful than the standard employer/employee relationship.
As Associates, we can expect to be respected, supported and valued as individuals, to be treated fairly and equitably.
The opportunity to learn and develop, taking charge of your own career across Mars.
The mission of Mars Global Services Associates? To be the foundation that serves, protects and supports our business.
Working in an enjoyable, collaborative, and multicultural environment.
We offer flexible working arrangements to help maintain a healthy work-life balance
Other facts
About Mars
We’re a unified force of 170,000+ Associates, taking action every day toward the world we want tomorrow.
Our Five Principles have kept us true to ourselves and to our commitment to treat others in ways that are consistent with those values. Having stood the test of time, these principles will continue, keeping us free to move quickly and plan for the future.
Quality - The consumer is our boss, quality is our work and value for money is our goal.
Responsibility - As individuals, we demand total responsibility from ourselves; as Associates, we support the responsibilities of others.
Mutuality - A mutual benefit is a shared benefit; a shared benefit will endure.
Efficiency - We use resources to the full, waste nothing and do only what we can do best.
Freedom - We need freedom to shape our future; we need profit to remain free.
Note to Parents:
https://www.mars.com/about/policies-and-practices/note-to-parents/np-english
For more information, please visit mars.com.
Follow us: facebook.com/mars, twitter.com/marsglobal, instagram.com/marsglobal/, youtube.com/mars
For more information about careers at Mars, please visit careers.mars.com
Follow us: facebook.com/LifeAtMars, instagram.com/LifeAtMars/, tiktok.com/LifeAtMars
Mars, Incorporated is not responsible for any content or activity made available via third party sites or services.
Page subject to:
mars.com/legal
mars.com/privacy
What you'll do
- Lead the development, validation, and deployment of microbiological methods across the laboratory network. Provide technical governance and support for microbiological audits and method performance improvements.
Ready to join Mars?
Take the next step in your career journey