Sr Research Scientist Sensory Innovation

About the role

This role serves as the sensory research lead for assigned brands, designing, executing, analyzing, and communicating sensory and consumer research studies independently and collaboratively. It involves leading sensory research supporting innovation, product improvements, and margin enhancement initiatives. The position requires expertise in sensory science, consumer research, statistics, and data visualization, translating research findings into actionable business recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the sensory research lead for assigned brands.
• Design, execute, analyze, and communicate sensory and consumer research studies independently and collaboratively.
• Lead sensory research supporting innovation, product improvements, and margin enhancement initiatives.
• Apply analytical sensory methods alongside consumer testing to meet project objectives.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new sensory and consumer research capabilities.

Requirements

• Proven success applying sensory and consumer research to support new product launches and product improvements.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative consumer research methods (e.g., CLTs, HUTs, focus groups, ethnography, online surveys).
• Experience with analytical sensory methods, including descriptive and discrimination testing.
• Expertise in research design, statistical analysis, and translating complex data into actionable business insights.
• Experience with DOE, Drivers of Liking, product/process optimization, and category assessments.
• Proficiency with statistical software such as JMP, R, SPSS, SAS, Minitab, or similar tools.
• Experience with sensory data collection systems, preferably EyeQuestion, Compusense, or RedJade.
• Curiosity and adaptability in applying emerging technologies, including AI-enabled analytics, text generation, and predictive modeling.
• Strong collaboration, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, business acumen, and conflict management capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with Copilot or similar AI tools is a plus.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and work independently with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• MS in Food Science, Psychology, Statistics, or a related field with an emphasis in Sensory and Consumer Research and 2–4 years of relevant experience; or
• BS with 4–6 years of relevant experience.

Skills

• Expertise in sensory science and consumer research.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and data visualization.
• Ability to apply analytical sensory methods and consumer testing.
• Experience with research design, DOE, Drivers of Liking, product/process optimization, and category assessments.
• Proficiency in statistical software and sensory data collection systems.
• Curiosity and adaptability in using emerging technologies.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills.
• Leadership, business acumen, and conflict management capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and AI tools.

Benefits

The Hershey Company offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more. Specific details are not provided in the job posting but are available upon request.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $120,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Final compensation is determined by the hiring manager and may vary based on factors such as market conditions and company budget.

Schedule

The role is based in Hershey, PA and requires up to 10% travel within the United States. The schedule is flexible and designed to accommodate the needs of the role and the candidate.