Sensory & Product Innovation Scientist I

HP Hood; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

HP Hood in the United States is seeking a Sensory Scientist I to lead sensory and consumer testing, develop timelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams on products from dairy to non-dairy lines. You will apply DOE, SPC and statistical analysis to generate actionable insights, create ingredient specs, and support new product and cost-improvement initiatives.

Travel may be required; the role emphasizes data-driven decision making and delivering reliable results to inform product

Qualifications

• Foundational technical knowledge of food science, sensory science, and data analysis.
• Ability to apply sensory and consumer best practices and explain reasoning clearly.
• Guide teams to define objectives and align on goals.
• Ability to manage several projects concurrently.
• Knowledge covering product development, statistical analysis, DOE, and SPC.
• Draft Ingredient Specs, Formulas, Semi Finished Good Specifications.
• Develop technical timelines and formulation plans.

Responsibilities

• Act as Subject Matter Expert for all Sensory and Consumer Research needs within Hood.
• Execute Sensory and Product Development projects focused on new products, processes, ingredients and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external fielding agencies and research partners
• Identify methodology, plan, execute, and analyze sensory and consumer tests for all project types.
• Generate and present results decks with clear learnings, insights and recommendations to facilitate decision making in the product development process.
• Develop and maintain strong cross-functional relationships to drive learning and insights when bringing new or renovated products to market.
• Maintain existing products through new suppliers, alternate ingredients, and process improvement.
• Apply best practices in sensory and consumer testing
• Adhere to R&D SOPs and checklists.
• Adhere to R&D Operating Principles; Commitment to Technical Expertise & Knowledge: Clear, Concise, Continuous Communication;

Skills

Sensory science

Data analysis

DOE

SPC

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical timelines

Education

BS in a relevant scientific field

MS/PhD in relevant field

Job description

HP Hood in the United States is seeking a Sensory Scientist I to lead sensory and consumer testing, develop timelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams on products from dairy to non-dairy lines. You will apply DOE, SPC and statistical analysis to generate actionable insights, create ingredient specs, and support new product and cost-improvement initiatives.

Travel may be required; the role emphasizes data-driven decision making and delivering reliable results to inform product