Associate Sensory Scientist

About the role

Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring an Associate Sensory Scientist based in Buffalo, NY. This position supports and maintains the Lactalis Passion for Taste program under the guidance of the Associate Sensory Manager.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Sensory Experts Panels on a weekly basis: prepare surveys and samples, set up room for tasting sessions and prepare technical reports using appropriate statistical methods using best practices.
• Support training for various dairy category products with the Sensory Expert Panels and propose action plans to improve panel qualification of all sensory attributes.
• Evaluate the Sensory Expert Panel performance periodically and assist the recruitment of new panelists as needed, following Lactalis Global guidelines.
• Prepare monthly technical report of pillar product performance to be submitted to Lactalis Global QA and internal Quality, Marketing, and R&D cross-teams.
• Maintain an updated database of the various tests of products as well as selection, training and performance evaluation of the Sensory Expert Panels, plus all other relevant information.
• Procure commercially available dairy products on a weekly basis for use by Sensory Expert Panels, functionality and application testing, and other tastings.
• Provide panel attendance to account payable team for panelist compensation on a weekly basis and submit expense reports of sample purchase and other materials.
• Provide support to manufacturing plants to implement and maintain the Factory Sensory Panels, including training of Sensory Coordinators, creation of SOPs and the monthly report.
• Alert plant and corporate quality teams regarding negative trends in product performance results by both expert and factory trained panels.
• Assist the Marketing Department during consumer test (60/40, Preference Mapping, etc.). Be part of the sample collection and validation through the Sensory Expert Panel prior to the test. Contribute to verify that the consumer test is done following best practices.
• Support R&D and Marketing teams by providing technical guidance and sensory evaluation for special projects as needed.
• Support the culinary manager with product functionality evaluations and/or development of new recipes as needed.
• Work with Corporate Quality Director and R&D to organize Executive Leadership Team monthly product tasting sessions.
• Travel to manufacturing plants and headquarters office on a regular basis to provide support to Factory Sensory Panels and meet with Corporate Quality Director
• Provide technical assistance as needed during investigation related to quality issues or other special projects.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree or higher preferred; or equivalent experience to include a minimum of five (5) years job related experience
• Ideal candidate must have Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or related field with education and experience in Sensory Evaluation, Dairy Technology and Statistics.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, with minimal direct supervision.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints.
• Ability to operate in a transversal environment, across multiple departments.
• Ability to adapt in a changing work environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge and understanding of statistics.
• Ability to operate in a transversal environment, across multiple departments.
• Ability to adapt in a changing work environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Skills / Abilities / Specialized Knowledge

• Strong attention to detail and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Need to be able to work independently and in teams, with minimal direct supervision.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints.
• Ability to operate in a transversal environment, across multiple departments.
• Ability to adapt in a changing work environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Benefits

Lactalis offers a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement.

Pay

Details on pay are not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

Details on schedule are not specified in the job posting.