sensory scientist sr

About the role

Senior Sensory Scientist – “Now Brewing” at Starbucks. The role drives complex, cross‑functional sensory research projects, leading multiple efforts simultaneously, often with globally distributed teams. The scientist works autonomously, applying knowledge, processes, skills, tools, and techniques to meet project and program objectives, and influences project‑management methodologies at Starbucks.

Responsibilities

• Drive complex, cross‑functional sensory research projects and lead multiple simultaneous efforts.
• Explore and design new research methodologies that accurately and efficiently align with Starbucks business objectives, functional areas, and company goals.
• Ensure and influence the timing, scope, and resources assigned to each project are aligned with business unit leaders and company goals.
• Explore the development of new and existing testing methodologies and tools to support Starbucks product‑portfolio needs.

Requirements

• B.S. in sensory evaluation, product development (food/beverage), behavior, psychology, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of experience designing experiments and analyzing data using statistical software.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the specific field or utilizing designated skills.
• Sensory training and test execution experience for a food or beverage company, including focus‑group and other qualitative testing.

Benefits

• Vacation accrual:
  • For employees in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND, or RI: up to 120 hours (190 hours in CA) for roles below director; 200 hours (316 hours in CA) for director‑level or above.
  • For other states: 120 hours annually for roles below director; 200 hours annually for director‑level or above.
• On‑site work four days a week to foster collaboration.

Schedule

Employees are expected to work on‑site four days per week.