Applications Specialist

Company Overview

At Mara Renewables Corporation (Mara), we exist to re-engineer nature’s pantry, reimagine human nutrition, and revitalize wellness and the environment. We believe there has never been a more critical need to evolve health ingredients for human nutrition and related industries using the power of science and nature to build a more sustainable and healthier world.

Mara’s remarkable journey has transformed us from a research & development startup into a global leader within the algal omega-3 oil industry, encompassing pivotal sectors such as food, beverage, supplements and infant nutrition. Our commitment to commercializing our unique patent-protected technologies, coupled with the expertise of our diverse team of exceptional research scientists specializing in biology, fermentation, extraction, applications, product quality, and analytical chemistry, has been the driving force behind our expansion.

Role Overview

We are seeking an Applications Specialist to support the development and application of our algal omega-3 products (refined oils, concentrates, powders) across infant formula, supplements, and food and beverage applications. This role offers the opportunity to apply your scientific expertise to real-world innovations in human nutrition, gain international exposure across three regions, collaborate with a diverse, multidisciplinary team of scientists, and contribute to sustainability and global health through cutting-edge algal technology.

You will work with a novel marine microalgal strain that produces DHA-rich omega-3 fatty acids through a fully enclosed, FSCC 22000-accredited process. In this role, you will develop and optimize products, support customers in their applications, and contribute to formulation innovation.

As part of our Applications and Technical Services team in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve technical challenges, support new application sales, and help bring customer-focused solutions to market. While prior experience in applications development and customer support is preferred, we also welcome scientists with strong foundational training and the motivation to grow their expertise in omega-3 science and applied product development. This is an office/lab based role.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently conduct bench-top formulation and processing experiments, including ingredient sourcing, equipment setup, testing, and analysis
• Provide technical guidance to customers on omega-3 product integration, formulation strategies, and processing techniques
• Collaborate with business development and sales teams to understand customer needs and deliver tailored scientific solutions
• Develop and optimize formulations for stability, sensory quality, and nutritional integrity in consumer products
• Conduct product testing, sensory evaluations, and shelf-life studies to assess product quality, functionality, and performance
• Partner with cross-functional teams (R&D, operations, sales, regulatory) to align applications work with business objectives and meet customer requirements
• Deliver technical presentations, workshops, and training to customers and internal teams
• Stay current on market trends, consumer insights, and scientific developments in omega-3 applications, using research to drive product innovation and market expansion
• Manage projects, document progress and results, communicate findings to internal stakeholders and customers, maintain detailed experimental records, and contribute to SOP development
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience in product development and laboratory work
• Familiarity with product quality testing, chemical analysis, and sensory analysis
• Strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, and documentation
• Proven ability to identify and solve technical challenges
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and project management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize effectively
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of scientific advances
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and relevant scientific software
• Willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis
  
  

Preferred / Assets

• Advanced degree or equivalent training/experience
• Knowledge of omega-3 lipids, oxidation, and applications in food matrices
• Experience in antioxidant/emulsifier use in lipid systems
• Background in developing or applying omega-3 powders
• Experience in sensory science / sensory analysis
  
  

What We Offer

Mara is proud to offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plan.
• Employee & Family assistance program.
• RRSP matching program.
• Health spending account.
• Physical wellness reimbursement plan.
• Competitive compensation package
• Paid time-off
• Opportunities for job related training and professional development.
  
  

At Mara we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including persons who identify as racially visible, Indigenous, persons with disabilities, women in underrepresented roles and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Mara supports candidates and employees with access and accommodation needs.