Senior Sensory Scientist

Symrise AG; Teterboro (NJ); On-site; USD 98,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Symrise AG in New Jersey seeks a Sensory Scientist to lead sensory research for the Beverage BU and R&T, designing robust studies and applying advanced statistics to drive product development.

The role acts as the primary sensory statistician, executing analyses with JMP, XLSTAT, SPSS and creating visuals for stakeholders, while coordinating across teams and timelines in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science or Sensory Science or a related field.
• At least 5 years of hands-on sensory science experience.
• Experience collaborating across functions on product development.
• Proficient in JMP, XLSTAT, SPSS and BI/data visualization tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze sensory studies for beverages.
• Apply multivariate statistics to extract actionable insights.
• Translate data into recommendations for cross‑functional teams.
• Develop predictive models and sensory evaluation tools.
• Lead multiple projects with tight timelines in a fast‑paced setting.

Skills

Sensory science

Statistical methods

JMP

XLSTAT

SPSS

Data visualization

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree in Food/Sensory Science

5+ years sensory experience

Project management

Communication skills

Tools

JMP

XLSTAT

SPSS

Power BI

Tableau

MicroStrategy

Job description

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances, flavors, food, nutrition, and cosmetic ingredients. Its clients include manufacturers of perfumes, cosmetics, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and producers of nutritional supplements and pet food.

Its sales of € 4.7 billion in the 2023 fiscal year make Symrise a leading global provider. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, the Group is represented by more than 100 locations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the United States and Latin America.

Symrise works with its clients to develop new ideas and market-ready concepts for products that form an integral part of everyday life. Economic success and corporate responsibility are inextricably linked as part of this process.

Your role

Position Summary:

The Sensory Scientist will support the Beverage Business Unit (BU) and Research & Technology (R&T) teams by providing strategic leadership in sensory research initiatives, designing robust sensory experiments, and serving as the data and methodology expert for the Sensory & Consumer Insights team. This role requires strong sensory science experience and the ability to translate sensory learning into actionable outcomes.

This position will function as the primary sensory statistician - executing and analyzing food and beverage sensory studies, applying advanced multivariate statistical methods, building predictive models, and developing tools that decode key sensory attributes such as saltiness or sweetness (in collaboration with Global SCI). The role will be essential in generating sensory‑driven insights, connecting data across platforms, and creating visualizations that influence product development and accelerate business growth.

• Design, execute, and analyze sensory studies
• Apply statistical tools (e.g., JMP, XLSTAT, SPSS) to analyze sensory and consumer data
• Translate data into clear recommendations and presentations for cross-functional stakeholders
• Contribute to continuous improvement of sensory methodologies and best practices
• Manage multiple projects and timelines in a fast-paced environment

Skills and Abilities/duties of the role:

• Expert-level application of sensory and statistical methodologies to evaluate food and beverage products with scientific rigor.
• Exceptional oral communication, technical writing, and presentation skills, enabling clear translation of complex data into actionable insights.
• Advanced proficiency with core software tools including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and related analytical platforms including XSTAT, SPSS and/or JMP.
• Strong capability in data interpretation, visualization, and storytelling, delivering compelling narratives to key stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Proven ability to influence testing strategies and guide cross‑functional teams in designing robust, consumer‑centric sensory programs.
• Highly organized team contributor who excels at managing multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and scientific integrity.
• Thrives in fast‑paced, dynamic environments, adapting quickly to shifting project needs and timelines.
• A proactive, energetic, and creative problem‑solver who brings curiosity, scientific discipline, and innovation to every challenge.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively with teammates, balancing independent accountability with partnership and knowledge-sharing.

Knowledge and Experience Requirements:

• Degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, or a related field (food sensory).
• 5 plus years' experience in sensory science is a must, preferably within the food industry..
• Demonstrated experience in project management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficient in statistical analysis software (e.g., JMP, XLSTAT, SPSS)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates willingness and enthusiasm to learn and utilize business intelligence and data visualization tools including Power BI, Tableau, and/or MicroStrategy

Become part of our open and transparent culture. It will give you the opportunity to flourish and to develop inspiring experiences that contribute to the health and well-being of consumers in 160 countries around the world. Putting our employees in focus fuels our strong company growth above market rates and makes us an excellent place to develop your career.

Come join us and embark on a fascinating journey with Symrise.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin or any other basis protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications, merit and business necessity.

Pay Transparency Disclosure: The expected annual salary range for this position is USD 98000.00 - USD 125000.00. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and company performance.