Sensory & Product Insights Analyst

Spectraforce Technologies; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce Technologies is seeking a Sensory & Product Insights Analyst to join our Seattle-based team for a 6-month, on-site engagement. The role covers sensory science, experimental design, and consumer insights with an emphasis on quality and product acceptance.

The ideal candidate will have a BS in Food Science/Sensory or statistics, 3+ years of experience, and strong data analysis skills. Proficiency with MS Word/Excel and sensory software is a plus.

Qualifications

• BS in Food Science/Sensory, Statistics or related discipline required.
• Minimum 3 years experience in sensory/consumer research.
• Experience with panel management and data analysis preferred.

Responsibilities

• Organize and execute tests with available personnel.
• Perform internal tests using scientific methods.
• Analyze sensory data and prepare clear reports.
• Develop and maintain panelist databases.
• Train technicians and support test design.

Skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Data analysis

Panel management

Organizational skills

Lab space

Education

BS in Food Science/Sensory, Statistics or related discipline

Tools

Compusense

Red Jade

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Job Title: Sensory & Product Insights Analyst

Location: Seattle, WA 98134

Duration: 6 Months (possibility based on the business needs)

Work Model: 5 days onsite/week

Shift/Hours: 40 hours/week

Job Description

• Conducting product and consumer research and analyzing resulting data to ensure optimized product acceptance and ongoing product quality.
• The job scope covers all aspects of sensory science, experimental design, and consumer insight from a product focused perspective. 3 years experience

Key Projects

• Build and support consumer panels
• Designing and supporting research for internal testing and logistics for external testing
• Supporting the overall team on major project initiatives
• Purpose of this team: Global Brand, building and supporting consumer panels
• Reason for the request: Supplement Additional Workload
• Motivators for this need: Budget Restrictions
• Typical Day in the Role
• Possibility for Extension or conversion: Possible based on business need

Daily Responsibilities

• Organization of all tests and ensure personnel resources are available to execute a test
• Efficiently execute an internal test in a scientific manor
• Organize and conduct Shelf‑life testing
• Able to learn variety of new product testing and data analysis software.
• Proficient in statistical analysis and interpretation of traditional sensory data (and/or capable of quickly learning statistical Methodology)
• Understand discrimination, descriptive, and affective sensory tests - when, why, and how to use various methods
• Strong knowledge of questionnaire development to understand consumer behavior
• Be able to train technicians on product preparation and test execution
• Analysis of sensory data and write clear and understandable technical reports documenting sensory test results with actionable recommendations
• Develop, expand, and maintain databases of panelists and sensory data
• Maintain PG lab stock supplies, organization and cleanliness
• Support the manager and senior analyst in test design and completion
• Support Sensory Evaluator training program at Starbucks Enterprise plants / co‑man/ suppliers and at the SSC by working with sensory team members
• Assist in developing tools and documentation for training materials
• Assist in development of specific descriptor list for a given category working with Starbucks cross‑functional teams
• Monitoring panel performance
• Train panelists on references for global lexicon and/or descriptive analysis panels
• Support of creating and maintaining documentation
• Collaborate with GSC Quality Operations to implement appropriate documents for training materials
• Accurately format documents using advanced tools in MS Word and Excel
• Build and maintain relationships with assigned Joint Venture partners, internal support functions and professional associations
• Streamline and maintain file/document management system
• Manage administrative aspects of multiple simultaneous projects at various stages of execution in a fast‑paced environment
• Actively seek opportunities to increase individual and group efficiency by creatively identifying, developing, and implementing systems that reduce recruiting, testing, and/or reporting time for standard tests.

Interaction Level with Team

• Highly collaborative

Technology Requirements

• Microsoft Suite

Degree or Certifications Required

• BS in Food Science/Sensory, Statistics or related discipline required (undergraduate degree)

Years Experience

• 3+ years

Required Background & Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Product development/QA in the food industry
• Consumer panel management exp
• Strong organizational skills
• Comfortable working in a lab space
• Must be comfortable with data

Nice‑to‑Haves

• Experience with sensory software (Compusense, Red Jade)
• Corporate experience in a similar role
• Experience with research design