Sensory Scientist

About the role

Shape the future of product innovation through consumer insights and sensory excellence. As a Sensory Scientist, you will serve as a key connection between Research & Development and Marketing, delivering meaningful sensory guidance that supports business growth and product success. You will partner with cross-functional teams to design and execute sensory and consumer research that drives product optimization, innovation, and strategic decision-making.

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design sensory methodologies to support product optimization and innovation.
• Cook up test execution and manage preparation of resources, maintaining clear communication with sensory technicians.
• Analyze data and provide feedback to team members in Product Development, Marketing, Foodservice, and Market Research. Report findings and recommend next steps.
• Cook up and manage internal and external testing schedules.
• Maintain internal and external consumer databases.
• Lead process development for continuous improvement in sensory, including support for all R&D categories, shelf-life programs, and quality control/assurance sensory programs at manufacturing facilities.
• Aid in developing standardized practices, protocols, and processes to align sensory across the organization.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Nutrition, or related discipline.
• 2–4 years of work experience; or in the absence of a bachelor’s degree, 5+ years of total experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to communicate details verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Excellent team player with a positive attitude and ability to partner across teams to provide insights.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree.
• Sensory experience.
• Knowledge of JMP, Compusense, and/or XLSTAT.
• Strong statistics and sensory methodology knowledge.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional movement between offices or buildings.
• May move light equipment or supplies.
• May access files, supplies, and equipment.
• Work activity occurs in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.