Scientist Jobs in Chicago, IL
Scientist jobs in Chicago are concentrated in the life sciences corridor anchored by the Illinois Medical District, Streeterville, and the Near North Side, with demand across pharma, biotech, and academic research. Employers actively filling roles include Mars, Rush University Medical Center, and Burns & McDonnell. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Principal Scientist – Fats and Oils
The Principal ScientistFats and Oils is a senior-level role with deep technical expertise and high learning agility, enabling continued growth in product formulation and processing capabilities within Mars snacking.
The role is responsible for leading global technical initiatives inFats and Oilssustainability, contributing to snacking innovation projects and programs, evaluatingalternative and novelFats andOils ingredients, troubleshooting reformulation and processing challenges, supporting supplier management, and upskilling associates across the organization.
What are we looking for?
- Minimum of a Bachelors degree in Food Science
- Minimum 10 years of RD experience in food, beverage or consumer products company (preferably with raw material compliance and specifications experience and Fats and Oil Ingredients, Chocolate, Nutrition Bars, Salty Snacks or Confectionary)
- Knowledge of regulatory bodies including FDA and EFSA.
- Proven ability to work independently and collaborate with global teams.
Provide technical leadership to ensure the FatsOils portfolio delivers on Mars Snacking’s strategic priorities and meets the evolving needs of the business.
Own the ST FatsOils Strategy and collaborate with cross-functional associates to drive continuous improvement.
Deliver hands-on formulation, processing, quality assurance, and food safety support across global RD and production sites.
Serve as a technical project leader or subject matter expert, partnering with other ST colleagues to support sustainability initiatives and the evaluation of alternative FatsOils ingredients, advancing Mars’ sustainability goals and Net Zero by 2050.
Horizon-scan, identify, and recommend potential business opportunities aligned with strategy; monitor emerging scientific research and trends relevant to FatsOils ingredients, chocolate, nutrition bars, salty snacks, and confectionary.
Collaborate with internal teams (Scientific Regulatory Affairs, Global Quality Food Safety, Product Development, etc.) and external partners to generate scientific evidence supporting claims, messaging, and publications.
Partner with RD, Commercial teams, and other Mars segments to develop strategic relationships with key external partners and suppliers, ensuring a robust ingredient pipeline that protects and creates future growth.
Work with RD and Intellectual Property teams to proactively safeguard Mars’ intellectual property.
Represent Mars at key conferences, trade shows, and industry events to strengthen the company’s reputation within the FatsOils sector.
Support the team manager in leading team-building initiatives and serving as a role model to enhance engagement and the overall associate experience within the Ingredient Science team.
Mentor and upskill associates in technical leadership and capabilities.
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.
Find out more about what Mars can offer you by visiting our Global Careers site.
The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.
The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting: USD 119,040.00 - USD 163,680.00
Principal Scientist – Fats and Oils
The Principal ScientistFats and Oils is a senior-level role with deep technical expertise and high learning agility, enabling continued growth in product formulation and processing capabilities within Mars snacking.
The role is responsible for leading global technical initiatives inFats and Oilssustainability, contributing to snacking innovation projects and programs, evaluatingalternative and novelFats andOils ingredients, troubleshooting reformulation and processing challenges, supporting supplier management, and upskilling associates across the organization.
What are we looking for?
- Minimum of a Bachelors degree in Food Science
- Minimum 10 years of RD experience in food, beverage or consumer products company (preferably with raw material compliance and specifications experience and Fats and Oil Ingredients, Chocolate, Nutrition Bars, Salty Snacks or Confectionary)
- Knowledge of regulatory bodies including FDA and EFSA.
- Proven ability to work independently and collaborate with global teams.
Provide technical leadership to ensure the FatsOils portfolio delivers on Mars Snacking’s strategic priorities and meets the evolving needs of the business.
Own the ST FatsOils Strategy and collaborate with cross-functional associates to drive continuous improvement.
Deliver hands-on formulation, processing, quality assurance, and food safety support across global RD and production sites.
Serve as a technical project leader or subject matter expert, partnering with other ST colleagues to support sustainability initiatives and the evaluation of alternative FatsOils ingredients, advancing Mars’ sustainability goals and Net Zero by 2050.
Horizon-scan, identify, and recommend potential business opportunities aligned with strategy; monitor emerging scientific research and trends relevant to FatsOils ingredients, chocolate, nutrition bars, salty snacks, and confectionary.
Collaborate with internal teams (Scientific Regulatory Affairs, Global Quality Food Safety, Product Development, etc.) and external partners to generate scientific evidence supporting claims, messaging, and publications.
Partner with RD, Commercial teams, and other Mars segments to develop strategic relationships with key external partners and suppliers, ensuring a robust ingredient pipeline that protects and creates future growth.
Work with RD and Intellectual Property teams to proactively safeguard Mars’ intellectual property.
Represent Mars at key conferences, trade shows, and industry events to strengthen the company’s reputation within the FatsOils sector.
Support the team manager in leading team-building initiatives and serving as a role model to enhance engagement and the overall associate experience within the Ingredient Science team.
Mentor and upskill associates in technical leadership and capabilities.
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.
Find out more about what Mars can offer you by visiting our Global Careers site.
The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.
The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting: USD 119,040.00 - USD 163,680.00
See All 134+ Scientist Jobs in Chicago
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Who's Hiring
- Mars16
- Rush University Medical Center13
- Burns & McDonnell10
- Tempus7
- TransUnion7
Scientist Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a scientist job in Chicago?
Target the Illinois Medical District, Streeterville, and the Near North Side, where pharma, biotech, and hospital research centers concentrate most hiring. Academic medical institutions and specialty chemical companies along the North Shore suburbs also post regularly. Candidates with hands-on lab experience, published research, or familiarity with GxP compliance stand out. Tailoring your application to a specific discipline, such as analytical chemistry or molecular biology, gives you a clear edge over generalist submissions.
Which companies hire scientists in Chicago?
Companies currently hiring scientists in Chicago include Mars, Rush University Medical Center, and Burns & McDonnell, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's hiring base mixes large pharmaceutical and diagnostics firms with academic medical centers and early-stage biotech companies, particularly concentrated on the Near North Side and in the suburbs along the I-294 corridor.
Are there remote scientist jobs in Chicago?
Yes, but only for a subset of roles: hands-on bench, clinical, and field work is almost always on-site, while data science, computational biology, regulatory affairs, and scientific writing positions are the most remote-friendly. About 100% of scientist openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, skewing toward analytical and non-lab functions. Hybrid arrangements are most common at larger pharma and diagnostics employers headquartered downtown or in the North Shore suburbs.
How can I get a scientist job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is a research technician or lab assistant role at one of the city's academic medical centers or university-affiliated research hospitals, where turnover creates consistent openings for candidates with a relevant bachelor's degree. Contract research organizations based in the suburbs also hire entry-level associates for analytical and quality control work. A completed capstone project, co-op, or even a volunteer research stint strengthens any application, and connecting with Chicago's biotech networking groups accelerates introductions to hiring managers.
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