Sensory Science Associate Scientist

Barilla Group; Parma; In loco; EUR 32.000 - 40.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

Full-time permanent contract

Location: Parma HQ

Competitive welfare benefits

Descrizione del lavoro

Barilla is seeking a Sensory Science Associate Scientist based in Parma to lead sensory studies across brands and geographies. You will manage expert panels, analyze data with a digital approach, and help set global sensory guidelines to support Barilla products.

The role requires a Master’s in Food Science and Technology with 3+ years in sensory/consumer science, plus Italian and English fluency. EyeQuestion experience is essential, with Power BI and LIMS as pluses.

Competenze

• Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology or related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in Sensory Science or Consumer Science.
• Experience with EyeQuestion or equivalent sensory analysis software.

Mansioni

• Manage sensory research studies across brands and geographies, contributing to product superiority.
• Coordinate panel data with analytical measurements for reliable insights.
• Plan and manage global sensory tools and guidelines aligned with Barilla needs.
• Organize and supervise three expert panels (10 people each) and ensure data quality.
• Train expert panels monthly and manage sensory software usage.

Conoscenze

Fluency in Italian and English

Strong presentation skills

Teamwork and collaboration

Formazione

Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology

Strumenti

EyeQuestion

Power BI

LIMS

Descrizione del lavoro

About Barilla

At Barilla, we believe that every great journey begins with passion and a bold vision. From our humble beginnings in 1877 in a small shop in Parma, Italy, we’ve blossomed into a global leader in the food industry, guided by our commitment to progress and excellence.

Aug 24, 2026

Sensory Science Associate Scientist

At Barilla, we believe that every great journey begins with passion and a bold vision. From our humble beginnings in 1877 in a small shop in Parma, Italy, we’ve blossomed into a global leader in the food industry, guided by our commitment to progress and excellence.

Today, Barilla is an international group present in more than 100 countries and we are proud to be recognized as the world’s top food company by reputation. With 22 beloved brands in our portfolio, we are world leader for pasta, the number one choice for ready-made sauces in Europe, leader for bakery products in Italy, and for crispbread across Scandinavia with Wasa.

Our success story is written by a passionate team of almost 9,000 dedicated employees across 30 plants and offices worldwide, all united by a shared mission to nourish the future with purpose and passion.

Job Description

Barilla is looking for the a Sensory Science Associate Scientist who will be part of the Sensory & Analytical Food Science unit.

The role will report to the Sensory & Analytical Food Science Associate Director and will be based in Parma.

Job Purpose

The Sensory Science Associate Scientist will manage sensory studies to provide sensory knowledge contributing to the creation of new Barilla successful products.

S/he manages expert panels tasting sessions and elaborates data results with digital approach and manages results presentation.

Contribute to design and set global sensory panel guidelines and continuously improve tools and methodologies to excel in assessing Barilla brands product superiority.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage sensory research studies of new and existing Barilla (all brands and geographies) products and competitors ones with Pasta, Condiments and Bakery categories contributing to create superior and distinctive products and packs. Manage synergies between panel product evaluation and analytical measurements to better understand the product consumer liking
• Scout, evaluate and manage the implementation of new global sensory tools and methodologies to consolidate and develop the sensory knowledge focused on Barilla business needs
• Project, plan and manage sensory profiles, shelf-life product tests to guarantee alignment with technical specifications and quality performances of all global Barilla products in coherence with sensory global guidelines
• Plan and manage tasting sessions of three different expert panels (10 people each session), ensuring coherence with projects timing and reliable and consistent sensory datasets
• Supervise sensory results generated by panelists with digital tool and elaborate data collected to ensure reliability and high-level quality of final reports Ensure continuous training of expert panels by a monthly program and monitor and guarantee their efficiency and motivation Be the key account for eye question sensory software

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology or a related field
• At least 3 years of experience in Sensory Science or Consumer Science, with hands‑on experience in managing sensory studies, conducting statistical analyses, and coordinating sensory panels
• Experience with EyeQuestion or equivalent sensory analysis software
• Knowledge of Power BI and LIMS is considered a plus
• Fluency in Italian and English; knowledge of French is a plus
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate project results and insights
• Experience in correlating sensory data with analytical and physico-chemical data is preferred

Compensation Package

The gross annual base salary (RAL) offered will be no less than € 36.000, in accordance with the provisions of the applicable National Collective Bargaining Agreement (CCNL Industria Alimentare)

The Company is committed to offering a competitive compensation package and, following the selection process, may propose a final gross annual base salary above the stated level, commensurate with the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications

The position's compensation package also includes a variable component and a competitive welfare and benefits offer. Further details will be provided at a later stage and will be subject to the applicable Company policies

Additional info

• Full-time permanent contract
• Location: Parma(HQ)

At Barilla, we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity in all its forms is valued and embraced. Our employment policies and practices are designed to ensure equal employment opportunities for all, regardless of age, race, color, citizenship, faith, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or characteristics of expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, medical condition, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our commitment to equal employment stems from our unwavering belief that it is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a fundamental driver of innovation and business success.

Research & Development

Italy

Parma

Permanent