Senior Consumer Insights Scientist - Sensory & Data

mars; United States; On-site; USD 134,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Mars Snacking, based in Chicago, is seeking a Principal Consumer Technical Insights Scientist to lead sensory and consumer research projects and drive product development and quality improvements. The role emphasizes advanced data analysis, predictive modeling, and cross-functional influence.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s/PhD in a related field and 12+ years of deep technical experience, with a proven track record in statistical sensory methods and data-driven business outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master's/PhD in Sensory Science, Food Science, Consumer Science, Psychology, Statistics, or related discipline
• Minimum 12 years' experience with deep technical roles and recognized subject-matter expertise and complex project leadership.
• Experience as a statistical subject matter expert for sensory and consumer research, advising teams on sample size determination and analytical approaches.
• Demonstrated success developing predictive models linking sensory attributes to consumer acceptance, product quality and business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Cross-Functional Team Collaboration - Serve as a recognized technical expert on cross functional product development teams to influence strategy using advanced sensory, consumer and data analysis tools. This position works closely with product development, marketing, marketing research, quality assurance, manufacturing and other Consumer Technical Insights (CTI) scientists. Mentor CTI scientists and R&D across technical expertise areas to build the overall organizational capabilities.
• Test Execution and Methodology - Independently lead, design and conduct complex research studies that result in actionable outcomes. You will use risk-based assessments to design learning plans that include a variety of analytical sensory and and consumer techniques build on advanced data analytics/tools. Shape the future of CTI research through experimentation with new methods and data modeling/analysis applications. Drive standardization of best practices.
• Technical Recommendations - Provide technical recommendations based on your knowledge of statistics, data science, consumer psychology and behavioral science, food chemistry, packaging, and product development as it applies to sensory and consumer research.
• Industry Knowledge - As a Principal CTI scientist, you will be scanning the horizon for cutting edge sensory science/analysis methods through meetings and conferences. You will network with suppliers and experts in the field to vet and implement new methods.

Skills

Sensory science

Statistics

Consumer research

Project leadership

Education

Master's/PhD in Sensory Science or related discipline

Job description

Mars Snacking, based in Chicago, is seeking a Principal Consumer Technical Insights Scientist to lead sensory and consumer research projects and drive product development and quality improvements. The role emphasizes advanced data analysis, predictive modeling, and cross-functional influence.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s/PhD in a related field and 12+ years of deep technical experience, with a proven track record in statistical sensory methods and data-driven business outcomes.