Sensory Scientist

Applying to this requisition will put you into consideration for either Sensory Scientist I, Sensory Scientist II, or Senior Sensory Scientist I. Level will be determined through the interview process.

About the Role

The Sensory Scientist role leads the sensory learning agenda for specific initiatives within brands/categories. At Tyson Foods, our Sensory leaders are strategic business partners. From front-end exploration of sensory cues to robust validation, the Sensory Scientist plays a critical role in designing and launching winning innovative products. As a champion of our Consumer Product Performance Program, the Sensory Scientist ensures that our flagship products maintain the quality expectations of our long-time consumers while identifying new methods and approaches to drive continuous improvement and elevate the sensory function. In collaboration with R&D, Marketing, and Consumer Insights, the Sensory Scientist influences important business decisions across all supported business units.

Responsibilities

• Leads the Sensory learning agenda for both tactical and strategic initiatives; provides perspective on how projects impact the business long term
• Leverages skills to effectively balance hybrid research approaches with existing knowledge and deep understanding of key sensory attributes to quickly deliver actionable guidance for R&D
• Translates consumer expectations to aid in functional product development and assessment of new technologies
• Interacts with cross-functional teams, sharing key insights and offering advice on product-related challenges
• Works through ambiguous situations with assistance from management and demonstrates agility in adjusting to evolving business needs
• Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality, and External Research Vendors
• Champions the consumer product performance program and recommends action into strategic planning
• Stays up to date on new research techniques through conferences, research materials, and industry experts, applying methods new to Tyson as appropriate through a ‘test and learn’ approach with assistance from management

Requirements

• Sensory Scientist I: 2+ years experience required with a Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study; No experience required with a Ph.D. or M.S.; 8+ years of relevant and practical experience is required with no degree. Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable meat products a plus.
• Sensory Scientist II: 4+ years experience required with a Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study; 2+ years of relevant work with an M.S; No practical work experience required with a Ph.D.; 8+ years of relevant and practical experience is required without an applicable degree. Sensory M.S., Ph.D., or Sensory Certification is preferred. Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable meat products preferred.
• Senior Sensory Scientist I: 6+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study; 4+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Master’s degree; 2+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Ph.D.; 12+ years of relevant and practical work experience if required without an applicable degree. Sensory M.S., Ph.D., or Sensory Certification is preferred. Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable meat products required. Prior experience with some advanced methods such as Drivers of Liking, IHUTs, combination quant/qual preferred.

Skills

• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Time management and results-oriented mindset
• Experience in applying core sensory data analysis (DI tests, ANOVA, t-tests, etc.)
• Strong ability to analyze and interpret data and provide clear recommendations on basic internal and external guidance and validation studies
• Demonstrated understanding of design of experiments and category appraisal methodologies
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, including advanced functions, pivot tables, and data visualization tools like Power BI
• Experience in sensory software such as SIMs or RedJade is a plus
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills to deliver research insights cross-functionally
• Ability to foster a collaborative and positive team environment

Schedule

1st shift (United States of America)

Travel

Up to 15% travel

Benefits

• Paid time off
• 401(k) plans
• Affordable health, life, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits
• Relocation assistance eligible