Sensory Product Researcher

Altria Group, Inc.; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Professional development stipends

Competitive healthcare benefits

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Altria Group, Inc. is seeking a Sensory Product Researcher to join our team in Richmond, VA, with remote work options. This role supports understanding adult tobacco consumer perceptions and translates insights into product development and marketing strategies. Travel approx 20–30%.

You will design learning plans, advance methodologies, lead cross-functional projects, and deliver actionable insights to drive portfolio growth and new nicotine product development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science or Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in sensory consumer-driven R&D or similar sensory research.
• Knowledge of advanced sensory methodologies, DOE and quantitative modeling, including Driver analysis, DCE, TURF.
• Ability to integrate sensory, behavioral and performance data into clear insights.
• Strong problem-solving and storytelling skills; collaborative and adaptable.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute learning plans to uncover insights.
• Partner with Product Development, Marketing, and other stakeholders to align objectives.
• Oversee study design, vendor partnerships, and execution to deliver high-quality insights.
• Translate data into clear insights and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Balance multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Evaluate new research approaches to improve speed, quality, and impact of insights.
• Oversee budgets and resource allocation.

Skills

Learning plans

Cross-functional alignment

Study design

Vendor management

Insight communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science or Engineering or related field

Job description

Join a team where deep consumer understanding drives breakthrough innovation and fuels growth for a Fortune 500 company with some of the most iconic brands! If you hold a degree in Science or Engineering and have at least two years of experience conducting sensory consumer-centered R&D research, we invite you to explore an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

We are seeking a Sensory Product Researcher to join our team in Richmond, VA, or we are open to remote work arrangements. Must be willing to travel as needed, approximately 20-30%

This role is critical to understanding adult tobacco and nicotine consumer perceptions and translating insights into actionable strategies for product development and marketing. The individual will lead learning plans, advance research methodologies, and deliver consumer insights that drive strategic decisions, unlock opportunities within the existing portfolio, and support the development of new nicotine products aligned with Altria’s long-term growth vision.

What you’ll be doing:

• Support consumer research and opportunity identification: Design and execute learning plans to uncover insights and identify opportunities that inform business strategy.
• Drive cross-functional alignment: Partner with Product Development, Marketing, and other stakeholders to define research objectives and ensure alignment on priorities and deliverables.
• Manage research execution: Oversee study design, vendor partnerships, and execution to deliver high-quality insights on time and within scope.
• Synthesize and communicate insights: Translate complex data into clear, compelling insights and recommendations for stakeholders and leadership.
• Prioritize and manage projects: Balance multiple initiatives effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Advance research methodologies: Evaluate and introduce new research approaches to improve speed, quality, and impact of insights.
• Manage budgets and resources: Oversee research investments and ensure effective allocation of resources across projects.

We want you to have:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, Sensory Science, Psychology, Human Factors, Consumer Science, Biology, Chemistry or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in sensory consumer-driven R&D or similar sensory products research.
• Knowledge in advanced sensory methodologies, design of experiments and quantitative modeling, including Driver analysis, DCE/choice modeling for product optimization and TURF for portfolio and SKU strategy.
• Ability to integrate sensory, behavioral and performance data into clear insights.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to craft compelling, insight-driven stories.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced, dynamic, and ambiguous environment.
• Client management and consultative mindset, with confidence to challenge and debate constructively.

Why You’ll Love Building Your Career at Altria

At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported — both at work and in life. Here’s what you’ll find here:

• Work where connection and flexibility meet — enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration three days a week (Tuesday - Thursday), while maintaining the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Our hybrid approach empowers you to stay connected, collaborate with colleagues, and manage your schedule in a way that works best for you.
• Own your time — start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully.
• A place where you belong — where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real.
• Get recognized for your work — annual merit increases and performance bonus.
• A future you can count on — 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%–17% of your base salary.
• Help with your goals — get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends.
• Support for what matters most — comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Celebrating your milestones — paid parental and bonding leave for life’s biggest moments.
• Wellness that goes beyond work — programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life.
• A culture that gives back — paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference.

At Altria, we offer more than benefits — we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Altria is a Fortune 500 company that has a leading portfolio of products for U.S. adult tobacco and nicotine consumers 21+. For decades we’ve been leaders in the tobacco industry, but the industry is evolving - and so are we. Our Vision is Moving Beyond Smoking™.

At Altria, we celebrate the power of diverse teams working together to shape our future. Each Altria company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals with conviction records, a fair chance at employment. Join us as we work together to shape a better future for adult tobacco consumers, our employees, and our shareholders.

Altria is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, John Middleton, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, Helix Innovations, and NJOY. Altria complements its tobacco portfolio with equity investments in Anheuser-Busch InBev and Cronos Group.