Senior Sensory Scientist

Tyson Foods; Springdale (AR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k) plans

Health, life, dental, vision and Rx

and more

Job summary

Tyson Foods in Springdale, Arkansas is seeking a Senior Sensory Scientist I to lead the sensory learning agenda for strategic and tactical initiatives across brands. You will partner with R&D, Marketing and Consumer Insights to translate consumer expectations into actionable product guidance and to drive continuous improvement in sensory performance.

You will balance hybrid research approaches, manage the sensory budget, mentor junior team members, and build strong cross-functional partnerships

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in sensory or related field; MS/PhD preferred.
• Industry experience in food/meat science is required or highly desirable.
• Experience levels: BS 6+ yrs; MS 4+ yrs; PhD 2+ yrs.

Responsibilities

• Lead sensory learning agenda for strategic and tactical initiatives; advise on long-term business impact.
• Balance hybrid research approaches with deep sensory knowledge to deliver actionable guidance.
• Translate consumer expectations to aid in product development and technology assessment.
• Interact with leadership, sharing insights on product-related challenges.
• Manage the sensory budget and prioritize strategic needs with support from management.
• Develop and maintain cross-functional partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality and External Research Vendors.
• Mentor junior team members and support personal development.
• Stay current on new research techniques and apply them to Tyson projects as appropriate.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology or related field

MS/PhD preferred

Job description

Job Details

The Senior Sensory Scientist I has responsibility leading the sensory learning agenda for specific initiatives within brands/categories. At Tyson, our Sensory leaders are strategic business partners. From front end exploration of sensory cues to robust validation, you’ll play a critical role in designing and launching winning innovative products. As a champion of our Consumer Product Performance Program, you’ll ensure our flagship products maintain the quality expectations of our long time consumers. You’ll be challenged to identify new methods and approaches to drive continuous improvement and elevate the sensory function. Your work, in collaboration with R&D, Marketing and Consumer Insights, will influence important business decisions across the businesses you support. Location: Springdale, Arkansas (Greater NWA) ***Relocation support may be provided for those candidates that qualify based on the Tyson Relocation Policy.

What you’ll do

• Lead sensory learning agenda for both strategic & tactical initiatives; giving your perspective on how projects might impact the business long term


• Leverage your experience to effectively balance hybrid research approaches with existing knowledge and deep understanding of key sensory attributes to quickly deliver actionable guidance for R&D


• Translate consumer expectations to aid in functional product development and assessment of new technologies


• Interact with the leadership team, sharing key insights and offering advice on product-related challenges


• Work through ambiguous situations with assistance from manager, and demonstrate agility in adjusting to evolving business needs


• Develop & maintain strategic partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality and External Research Vendors


• Learn and grow, as you stretch yourself to identify opportunities and drive continuous improvement to evolve the sensory function and your personal development


• Effectively manage the sensory budget; address and prioritize immediate and forward-looking strategic needs with manager support


• Champion the consumer product quality program, and recommend action into strategic planning


• Stay up-to-date on new research techniques through conferences, research materials and industry experts; apply methods new to Tyson, as appropriate, through a ‘test and learn’ approach


• Motivate, engage and empower junior team members through training and mentoring

Education & Work Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology or related field; M.S., Ph.D. or Sensory Certification is preferred. Proficient in food or meat science. Industry experience with B.S. (6+ yrs.); M.S. (4+ yrs.); Ph.D. (2+ yrs.).

Supervisory & Travel

This role does not have direct reports. Experience managing and/or mentoring junior team members a plus. Travel up to 25%.

Skills Needed

• Food Science


• Sensory Science


• Advanced data analysis (design of experiments, category appraisals)


• Qualitative research


• Quantitative research


• New Methods Development


• Microsoft Office


• Project Management


• Budget Management


• Leadership


• Independence


• Strategic Agility


• Holistic Thinking


• Influence


• Collaboration


• Analytical Thinking


• Risk Assessment


• Prioritization


• Troubleshooting


• Mentoring

All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.

Relocation Assistance Eligible: Yes

Work Shift: 1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

• paid time off


• 401(k) plans


• affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits


• and more

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