Job Description:
Microbiology Analyst
As a Microbiology Analyst supporting Mars Petcare, you will perform microbiological assays in the Regional Analytical Laboratory. The Microbiology Laboratory conducts microbiological analyses on but not limited to raw materials, environmental samples, stability samples and finished products. This position is responsible for internal lab operational programs including lab safety, chemical hygiene, and quality programs. We are looking for someone who will deliver true, accurate results in a timely manner. This position is Tuesday-Saturday, primarily working 8:30AM-5PM.
What are we looking for?
Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or related science and 2+ years’ of experience with PCR and other microbiological analyses in food or related industries
Understanding of microbiological testing techniques including FDA BAM testing methodologies.
Excellent organizational skills to adapt to fluctuating workloads while maintaining attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently or as a member of a team.
Flexibility to changing priorities and timelines.
Demonstrated experience and skill with Spreadsheet software (MS Excel preferred), Word, ELN, and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
The ability to work in shifts over the 7-day week operation. The Regional Microbiology Laboratory operates daily including weekends.
What will your key responsibilities be?
Developing programs in support of product development, stability, food quality and safety and other business functions.
Maintaining documentation of microbiological results and testing traceability in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Ensure documentation and records are according to Regional Lab Quality Management System and the standard aligns to Key Supporting Competencies.
Master the key scientific principles associated with Microbiological assays.
Work as a team player including open and honest communication, respecting confidentiality with any laboratory information.
What can you expect from Mars?
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.
A strong focus on 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related science
- At least 2 years of experience with PCR and microbiological analyses in food or related industries
- Understanding of microbiological testing techniques, including FDA BAM methodologies
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently or on a team
- Flexibility to changing priorities and timelines
- Experience with spreadsheet software, preferably Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, ELN, and LIMS
- Ability to work shifts across a seven-day operation, including weekends
Mars Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Mars and has not been reviewed or approved by Mars.
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Healthcare Strength — The benefits package is positioned as comprehensive, with broad medical coverage and additional protections like life insurance and short- and long-term disability. Mental health support is emphasized, including free mental health services and wellbeing programming under initiatives such as Mars Be Well.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is highlighted as market-leading in the U.S., with an example of 18 weeks fully paid for both parents. Additional family-related leave types such as sick time for caregiving and bereavement leave are also described as part of the overall package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings are described as strong, including 401(k) matching (with a 6% match cited) and pension plans in some cases. The broader package also references retirement savings options and contributions aligned to local market practice, supporting long-term financial security.
Mars Insights
What We Do
For more than a century, Mars, Incorporated has been driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This idea is at the center of who we have always been as a global, family-owned business. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating and evolving in ways that affirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us. Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of confectionery, food, and petcare products and services, we employ 133,000 dedicated Associates who are all moving in the same direction: forward. With $40 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’s®, MILKY WAY®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, ORBIT®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, SKITTLES®, WHISKAS®, COCOAVIA®, and 5™; and take care of half of the world’s pets through our pet health services AniCura, Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, Pet Partners™, and VCA™. We know we can only be truly successful if our partners and the communities in which we operate prosper as well. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our Associates to take action every day to help create a world tomorrow in which the planet, its people and pets can thrive.
