Sensory Product Researcher
About the role
Join a team where deep consumer understanding drives breakthrough innovation and fuels growth for a Fortune 500 company with some of the most iconic brands! If you hold a degree in Science or Engineering and have at least two years of experience conducting sensory consumer-centered R&D research, we invite you to explore an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We are seeking a Sensory Product Researcher to join our team in Richmond, VA, or we are open to remote work arrangements. Must be willing to travel as needed, approximately 20–30%. This role is critical to understanding adult tobacco and nicotine consumer perceptions and translating insights into actionable strategies for product development and marketing. The individual will lead learning plans, advance research methodologies, and deliver consumer insights that drive strategic decisions, unlock opportunities within the existing portfolio, and support the development of new nicotine products aligned with Altria's long-term growth vision.
Responsibilities
- Support consumer research and opportunity identification: Design and execute learning plans to uncover insights and identify opportunities that inform business strategy.
- Drive cross-functional alignment: Partner with Product Development, Marketing, and other stakeholders to define research objectives and ensure alignment on priorities and deliverables.
- Manage research execution: Oversee study design, vendor partnerships, and execution to deliver high-quality insights on time and within scope.
- Synthesize and communicate insights: Translate complex data into clear, compelling insights and recommendations for stakeholders and leadership.
- Prioritize and manage projects: Balance multiple initiatives effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Advance research methodologies: Evaluate and introduce new research approaches to improve speed, quality, and impact of insights.
- Manage budgets and resources: Oversee research investments and ensure effective allocation of resources across projects.
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Science, Engineering, Sensory Science, Psychology, Human Factors, Consumer Science, Biology, Chemistry or a related field.
- 2+ years of experience in sensory consumer-driven R&D or similar sensory products research.
- Knowledge in advanced sensory methodologies, design of experiments and quantitative modeling, including Driver analysis, DCE/choice modeling for product optimization and TURF for portfolio and SKU strategy.
- Ability to integrate sensory, behavioral and performance data into clear insights.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to craft compelling, insight-driven stories.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced, dynamic, and ambiguous environment.
- Client management and consultative mindset, with confidence to challenge and debate constructively.
Benefits
- Hybrid work schedule: in-person collaboration three days a week (Tuesday–Thursday), with flexibility to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.
- 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek.
- Annual merit increases and performance bonus.
- 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution equal to 13%–17% of base salary.
- Student loan repayment assistance, professional development stipends for conferences and certifications.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
- Paid parental and bonding leave.
- Wellness programs for whole well-being.
- Paid volunteer days.
Schedule
Hybrid: three days in office (Tuesday–Thursday), two days remote (Monday–Friday). 37.5-hour workweek. Approximately 20–30% travel required.
Pay
Annual merit increases and performance bonus. 401(k) matching from day one; Deferred Profit Sharing contribution of 13%–17% of base salary annually.