Senior Sensory Scientist & Panel Lead

J.M. Smucker; Orrville (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

J.M. Smucker is seeking a Senior Technologist, Sensory, to own test design, panel execution, data analysis, and reporting. You will lead trained descriptive panels and build partnerships across the organization to deepen sensory expertise and improve practices.

The role focuses on developing others, guiding sensory practices, and helping teams make informed product decisions in a hybrid Orrville, Ohio setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related scientific field.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in food industry or equivalent academic program.
• Sensory science training preferred (academic or industry).
• Panel Leader / Moderator experience a plus.
• Understands/applies sensory evaluation methodologies/statistics related to affective, discrimination, and descriptive testing.

Responsibilities

• Manages/participates in the execution phase of testing, including product procurement, statistical test design, consumer questionnaire development, panelist scheduling, and panel scheduling.
• Spends the majority of time with data analysis and report writing, sensory test requests, and descriptive panel management.
• Leads descriptive panel(s) for a variety of product categories through recruiting, facilitating, engaging, and tracking the performance of trained panelists.
• Manage lab inventory of descriptive panel references and products.
• Plan for panel maintenance and growth by managing the descriptive panel schedule.
• Maintains a strong focus on customer service to effectively communicate and have positive interactions with panelists.
• Builds relationships within the Sensory team and with customers to enhance communication.
• Leads by example to accurately record testing anomalies and project details, ensuring accurate SOPs.
• Applies sensory evaluation methodologies to organize and execute consumer and trained panels.
• Contributes to continuous improvement of sensory practices with focus on efficiencies in project-making, reporting, and descriptive analysis.
• Builds extensive knowledge of sensory science.
• Provides guidance/support in the Sensory Lab as needed.
• Develops and supports training for other departments or locations for sensory evaluation needs.
• Analyzes and interprets traditional sensory data to prepare sensory projects and reports.
• Coaches sensory personnel by conducting trainings, teaching sensory methodologies and leading by example.
• Provides technical support for sensory software including software testing and upgrades.
• Maintains an odor-neutral environment by avoiding perfumes and other scents.

Skills

Sensory science

Panel leadership

Data analysis

Experimental design

Statistical methods

Communication skills

Project management

Microsoft Office

Sensory software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/ Chemistry/ Biology/ Psychology/ Computer Science or related

Job description

J.M. Smucker is seeking a Senior Technologist, Sensory, to own test design, panel execution, data analysis, and reporting. You will lead trained descriptive panels and build partnerships across the organization to deepen sensory expertise and improve practices.

The role focuses on developing others, guiding sensory practices, and helping teams make informed product decisions in a hybrid Orrville, Ohio setting.