Sensory Scientist

About the role

Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is seeking a Sensory Scientist based in Buffalo, New York. This role will coordinate and direct various sensory activities, including managing Sensory Expert and Plant Trained Panels. Responsibilities include providing detailed statistics on panel results, contributing to the deployment of the Quality Product Process within the Lactalis American Group, and delivering monthly summary reports to plants, Corporate QA, and France QA.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical knowledge related to sensory evaluation that is currently acceptable in the sensory field.
• Manage and oversee all aspects of the Sensory Expert Panels for various dairy categories:
  • Procure commercially available products for tasting as needed.
  • Prepare samples for the expert panels.
  • Set up the room for tasting sessions.
  • Manage panel attendance for panelist compensation.
  • Analyze results using appropriate statistical tools and best practices.
  • Maintain Expert Panel performance and ensure proper training sessions; recruit new members as needed.
• Manage and oversee the deployment of Plant Trained Panels for Sensory Analysis within Lactalis manufacturing plants, including training sensory coordinators, creating SOPs, and generating monthly reports.
• Alert plant and corporate quality teams regarding negative trends in product performance results from both expert and factory-trained panels.
• Prepare a monthly technical report of pillar product performance from plant-trained and expert panel data for Lactalis Global QA and internal Quality, Marketing, and R&D teams.
• Maintain communications with counterparts in France and Canada to exchange scientific advancements related to sensory testing, best practices, data analysis, and reporting.
• Work with the Marketing Department during consumer tests (e.g., 60/40, preference mapping), including sample evaluation and validation through the Expert Panel prior to testing, and verifying test conditions.
• Provide a report from Expert Panel results to validate and cross-verify external results.
• Manage, control, and schedule expert panel sessions to achieve yearly objectives (Pillar Product monitoring, Star Product monitoring, training, R&D assistance, Marketing support).
• Maintain an updated database of all sensory tests, including selection, training, and performance evaluation of Expert Panels, and other relevant information.
• Work with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to organize monthly sample tastings and analyze data as needed.
• Develop new sensory procedures tailored to answer questions posed by R&D and Marketing.
• Provide technical assistance during investigations related to Quality.
• Work with Research and Development and Marketing teams to provide technical guidance and support for special projects.
• Support the culinary manager with product functionality evaluations and/or development of new recipes as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred; a major in Food Science is a plus.
• 4+ years of R&D or Food Science experience is required; experience in the food industry is preferred.
• Experience with conducting sensory testing, setup, and interpretation of results.
• Knowledge of cheese and a desire to learn about various varieties and qualities.
• Good knowledge of statistics and data analysis.
• Good knowledge of sensory evaluation techniques.

Work Conditions

• Travel to manufacturing plants and headquarters office on a regular basis to support Trained Sensory Panels and meet with the Corporate Quality Director.
• Extended hours may be necessary depending on project needs.
• Tools such as a computer, phone, and/or allowances may be provided.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.
• This position requires physical presence in the office.
• Commitment to a safe working environment that promotes health and well-being.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Total Rewards Program with affordable benefits and coverage options.
• Significant support for insurance costs.
• Generous contributions to retirement plans.
• Paid Time Off from day one.
• Professional growth opportunities, including training, development, and Education Reimbursement.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on legally-recognized criteria.