Senior Sensory Innovation Scientist — Onsite PA

Hershey Company; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

The Hershey Company in Hershey, PA, onsite, is seeking a Sr Research Scientist, Sensory Innovation to lead sensory and consumer research for new product ideas. You will work with Sensory & Product Insights, R&D and cross-functional teams to shape learning agendas and translate data into clear, actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities include designing, collecting, analyzing, and reporting studies; leading innovation-focused research; developing new capabilities; building partnerships; and

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of relevant sensory research experience.
• Experience with research design and advanced statistical analysis.
• Proficiency with JMP, R, SPSS, SAS, or Minitab.
• Experience with sensory data collection systems such as EyeQuestion, Compusense, or RedJade preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently and collaboratively design, collect, analyze, interpret, and report sensory and consumer research, delivering actionable recommendations.
• Lead research primarily for innovation, while also supporting product improvements and margin enhancement initiatives for existing products.
• Apply analytical sensory methods strategically alongside consumer testing to ensure project objectives are met.
• Serve as a technical thought partner to cross-functional teams, helping shape learning agendas and research strategies.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new or improved sensory and consumer research capabilities that expand the department’s toolbox.
• Build effective partnerships with cross-functional teams and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Research design

Communication of findings

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD in Food Science, Psychology, Statistics, or related with emphasis in Sensory and Consumer Research

Tools

JMP

R

SPSS

SAS

Minitab

EyeQuestion

Compusense

RedJade

Job description

The Hershey Company in Hershey, PA, onsite, is seeking a Sr Research Scientist, Sensory Innovation to lead sensory and consumer research for new product ideas. You will work with Sensory & Product Insights, R&D and cross-functional teams to shape learning agendas and translate data into clear, actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities include designing, collecting, analyzing, and reporting studies; leading innovation-focused research; developing new capabilities; building partnerships; and