Job Title: Dermatology Research Scientist H/F/X.

Job function: R&D

Segment: Royal Canin

Location: Aimargues, France (near Montpellier)

Contract type: Permanent. Full time. Hybrid.

At Royal Canin R&D, the Research Team is responsible for the long-term innovation. It consists of science and technology experts that deliver solutions for new or improved products, processes and services that enhance the health and wellbeing of every cat and dog and bring competitive advantage to Royal Canin. The team deeply values broad expertise and a diversity of scientific backgrounds. 

The purpose of this role within the Core Health Research Team is to identify innovative solutions in Dermatology/skin health (including nutritional products, services, diagnostics, or functional complements) for pets and to communicate relevant scientific and technological findings to key business and external audiences. 

What are we looking for?

• Education: You hold a master’s or PhD degree in Dermatology, skin biology or immunology.
• Experience: You have experience of min. 2 years in R&D corporate environment.
• Scientific Expertise: You have deep scientific understanding of skin barrier function.
• Nutritional Knowledge: You have solid knowledge in the influence of nutrition on skin biology, repair and barrier defense mechanisms.
• You have research background in human dermatology and cell biology with strong interest in translating these findings to veterinary medicine and pet nutrition.
• Communication skills: You possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Languages: You are fluent in English.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Project Management and Scoping:

• Screening potential nutritional and scientific solutions, building and managing approved research projects within the Dermatology research program.
• Taking responsibility for the execution of research projects including idea generation, protocol set up, external research contracting, ethical review, regulatory checks.
• Engaging with the Core Health Research team to generate and demonstrate new research hypotheses, specifically focusing on the influence of nutrients on the various components of the skin (lipid barrier, tight junctions, skin barrier integrity, cutaneous microbiome, inflammatory pathways, etc.)
• Engaging with the Predictive Research Team for the use of tools (such as digital models, biomarkers, imaging, etc.) that can optimize the design and outcomes of clinical studies.

Stakeholder and Ecosystem Engagement:

• Engaging with the Pet Professionals and Demand teams to align dermatology research ideas and projects with the support of the Research Senior Scientist.
• Supporting the Design team regarding the scientific evaluation of new diagnostic tools, non-invasive skin assessment devices, and other service solutions for the wellbeing of cats and dogs in the field of research. 
• Actively bridging the gap between human skin barrier research and veterinary dermatology, engaging potential collaborations between Waltham, external academic partners, and different units of Mars Petcare (e.g., Mars Veterinary Health, Science and Diagnostics division, etc.) relevant to the Research team.

Communication:

• Communicating relevant scientific/technological findings in skin biology and pet nutrition to key business and external audiences through high-quality written works and oral presentations.
• Taking responsibility for final internal reporting, external scientific communication, peer-reviewed publication, and support for patent filing as needed.

Solution Delivery:

• Delivering innovative skin-health solutions implementable in Royal Canin’s product and service portfolio.
• Managing the transfer of the solution to the Develop team and propose the best route of implementation into products and services.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Global Impact: Work at the heart of Royal Canin's international HQ, a unique campus housing 800+ associates, two laboratories, and our flagship factory.
• Innovation Culture: Join a team that is actively moving toward "Second Brain" AI integration and cutting-edge longitudinal research.
• Career Growth: Access world-class development through Mars University and opportunities for cross-functional moves within the global Mars Petcare ecosystem.
• Purpose-Driven Work: Every day, you will contribute to our mission: A Better World for Pets.
• Competitive Package: Industry-leading salary, benefits, and company bonus.

#LI-KD1 #mars #royalcanin