Sensory Scientist

Cps4jobs; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cps4jobs is seeking a Sensory Scientist to support product innovation, development, and quality initiatives through sensory and consumer research. You will plan and oversee research activities, apply appropriate scientific methods and statistical techniques, and turn findings into practical recommendations for technical teams and business partners.

Responsibilities include planning sensory studies, maintaining panels, coordinating testing, and collaborating with Product Development, R&D,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, or related discipline.
• 3+ years in sensory science or consumer research, including descriptive panel management.
• Practical knowledge of sensory evaluation techniques and statistical analysis.
• Experience creating and implementing laboratory procedures and training others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Windows-based applications.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct sensory and consumer research to evaluate products and support objectives.
• Support and maintain descriptive sensory panels, including recruiting and training panelists.
• Coordinate internal sensory testing programs, study development, panel scheduling, sample prep, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Establish, refine, and implement sensory testing procedures and methodologies.
• Coordinate outside research resources including vendors, budgets, and final deliverables.
• Apply statistical tools and sensory techniques to evaluate findings and present conclusions.
• Maintain organized research documentation, datasets, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with Product Development, R&D, Marketing, Sales, Quality, Regulatory, and Innovation teams.
• Ensure research activities follow lab practices, safety, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Sensory research

Statistical analysis

Descriptive analysis

Panel management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science / Sensory Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Sensory Scientist Overview

A growing organization in the food and beverage industry is seeking a Sensory Scientist to support product innovation, development, and quality initiatives through sensory and consumer research. This individual will plan and oversee research activities, apply appropriate scientific methods and statistical techniques, and turn research findings into practical recommendations for technical teams and business partners.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct sensory and consumer research to evaluate products, support innovation, and address technical and business objectives.
• Support and maintain descriptive sensory panels, including recruiting and training panelists, developing sensory terminology, coordinating evaluations, and interpreting results.
• Coordinate internal sensory testing programs, overseeing study development, panel scheduling, sample preparation, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Establish, refine, and implement sensory testing procedures and research methodologies to ensure consistent and reliable results.
• Coordinate outside research resources when needed, including vendor relationships, project schedules, budgets, study execution, and final deliverables.
• Apply statistical tools and sensory research techniques to evaluate findings and present meaningful conclusions to technical teams and business stakeholders.
• Maintain organized research documentation, testing procedures, study records, datasets, and technical reports.
• Collaborate with Product Development, R&D, Marketing, Sales, Quality, Regulatory, and Innovation teams to incorporate consumer and sensory feedback into product strategies.
• Ensure research activities follow applicable laboratory practices, safety procedures, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

Salary $70,000 - $100,000

Benefits Available

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, or a related discipline.
• Relevant fields may include Biology, Physiology, Psychology, Statistics, Consumer Science, or Cognitive Science.
• 3+ years of experience in sensory science or consumer research, including direct involvement in descriptive panel management.
• Practical knowledge of sensory evaluation techniques and statistical analysis, including descriptive analysis, discrimination testing, and product-focused consumer studies.
• Experience creating, maintaining, and implementing laboratory or facility procedures, including training others on established protocols.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other standard Windows-based applications.
• Strong sensory acuity, with the ability to recognize, differentiate, and effectively describe flavor and aroma characteristics.