Sensory Scientist III

About the role

The Sensory Scientist III leads sensory research focused on ensuring the sensory quality, consistency, and shelf-life performance of all Sartori products. This role designs and executes sensory shelf-life studies, defect identification and root-cause investigations, and competitive quality benchmarking to support product integrity and continuous improvement. The Sensory Scientist partners closely with R&D, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Sales to translate sensory data into actionable insights related to process control, ingredient variability, packaging, and storage conditions.

Additionally, this role establishes and maintains best-in-class sensory standards, trains and mentors panelists, and advances sensory tools and methodologies that proactively identify risks and protect brand quality over product life.

This is an onsite position located at the Pleasant View corporate office in Plymouth, WI. Occasional travel may be required (estimated 10%). A valid driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Designs and leads statistically robust sensory studies, including sensory shelf-life, defect characterization, and quality benchmarking
• Analyzes and interprets sensory and consumer data using appropriate statistical methods and translates findings into clear, actionable insights
• Identifies, characterizes, and supports root-cause analysis of sensory defects related to processing, ingredients, packaging, and storage
• Conducts internal and competitive quality benchmarking to establish and maintain sensory standards
• Partners with R&D, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Sales to translate sensory data into actionable recommendations
• Trains, manages, and mentors trained sensory panels and junior sensory scientists
• Develops and maintains sensory protocols, lexicons, and best practices for dairy products
• Provides technical support through researching and presenting findings regarding customer requests or challenges related to sensory
• Complies with company safety, HACCP, and GMP policies during plant trials and other plant activities
• Delivers against set R&D and Sartori company metrics and initiatives
• Maintains confidentiality as it relates to internal and customers' proprietary formulas, ingredients, and projects

Requirements

• Master's degree in Food Science or Sensory Science required; PhD preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degrees
• 5+ years of experience in sensory and consumer research, preferably in dairy or food manufacturing
• Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, and interpreting statistically rigorous sensory studies
• Proficiency with sensory and statistical analysis software (e.g., Compusense, XLSTAT, JMP, R, or equivalent)
• Experience working with trained sensory panels and quality-focused sensory programs

Skills

• Alignment with Company Values: Demonstrates behaviors and values reflecting Sartori's core values of family, commitment, authenticity, ingenuity, integrity, and humility
• Organizational and Time Management: Ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines, anticipate needs, and proactively resolve issues
• Collaborative: Partners with team members to achieve results and engages stakeholders for diverse perspectives
• Accuracy: Ensures precision and attention to detail in tasks, maintaining high standards for data integrity and documentation
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas and actively listen
• Learning Agility & Intellectual Curiosity: Adapts to new challenges, acquires new skills, and stays informed on industry trends
• Decision Quality: Makes sound, timely decisions using analysis, experience, and judgment
• Resilience: Remains composed under pressure, recovers from setbacks, and persists in evolving environments

Direct Reports

This role will lead panelists and interns initially but will have no full-time direct reports.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.