R&D Jobs at MARS Cosmetics | Apply for the Sensory Scientist Role
R&D Jobs at MARS Cosmetics. The role of a Sensory Scientist is becoming increasingly important in the beauty and cosmetics industry. This opportunity at MARS Cosmetics in Delhi focuses on transforming sensory perceptions such as texture, spreadability, fragrance, and finish into measurable insights that directly influence product innovation, formulation decisions, and consumer satisfaction.
Company Introduction
MARS Cosmetics is a leading innovator in the beauty industry, dedicated to creating premium makeup and skincare products. Our mission is to deliver exceptional quality and elevate consumer experiences through cutting-edge research and development. Join us in shaping the future of beauty.
- Job Title: Sensory Scientist / Sensory & Consumer Insights Scientist
- Location: Delhi, India (On-site)
- Function: R&D / Product Innovation
Role Purpose
Own the sensory measurement system for MARS—turn “feels premium/spreads well / smells clean” into relia
Key Responsibilities
- Build and run MARS’ sensory program across makeup + skincare: descriptive analysis, attribute rating, preference tests, CLT/HUT support.
- Create and maintain a sensory lexicon and scorecards (e.g., slip, drag, cushion, tack, afterfeel, greasiness, powderiness, film, dry-down time, pay-off, blurring).
- Recruit/train a trained internal panel; ensure calibration, repeatability, and panel performance tracking.
- Design studies: sampling plan, blinding/randomization, test conditions, bias controls, and statistical validity.
- Convert results into actionable formulation guidance: what to change (emollients, powders, polymers, silicones, emulsifiers) to move specific attributes.
- Partner with R&D on benchmarking: competitive mapping, “gold standard” references, and sensory targets per category/price tier.
- Connect sensory to instrumental data: rheology/viscosity, tribology/friction, texture analyzer spread/firmness, gloss, payoff, wear tests—build correlations where possible.
- Work with fragrance team/suppliers to evaluate fragrance performance in base: bloom, dry-down, off-notes, stability shifts, packaging interactions.
- Maintain SOPs, data integrity, and a searchable sensory database of prototypes and market products.
- Present insights to leadership in a crisp way: heatmaps, perceptual maps, drivers of liking, and “next experiments” recommendations.
Success Metrics (KPIs)
- Repeatability of panel scores (low variance; high discrimination).
- Time-to-decision reduction in development (fewer reformulation loops).
- Correlation between sensory scores and consumer liking/repurchase intent.
- Clear category benchmarks + sensory targets adopted by formulators.
Qualifications
- MS/PhD in Sensory Science, Food Science, Psychology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutics, or related.
- 3–8 years in sensory/consumer research (beauty preferred; FMCG acceptable with strong transferable methods).
- Strong working knowledge of sensory methods + stats (ANOVA, PCA, preference mapping, regression).
- Comfortable in lab settings and with product handling protocols and hygiene standards.
Must-have Skills
- Sensory panel training + test design
- Quantitative analysis + insight storytelling
- Cross-functional collaboration with formulators
- High sensory acuity and disciplined evaluation habits
Nice-to-have
- Experience in color cosmetics sensory (payoff, slip, blurring, tack, transfer)
- Exposure to tribology/rheology/texture analyzer work
- Experience managing fragrance evaluation with suppliers
What We Offer
High ownership role building MARS’ sensory capability end-to-end; direct impact on product quality and repeat purchase.
