Sensory Scientist

Bell Flavors & Fragrances; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Growth opportunities

Competitive salary

Job summary

Bell Flavors & Fragrances in Northbrook, IL seeks a Sensory Scientist to design and lead sensory and consumer research that supports product development, innovation, quality, and business decisions. You will apply scientific methods and statistics to generate actionable insights, lead panels, develop methodologies, and collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Sales, Regulatory, Quality and Innovation.

This role requires strong communication and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, sensory science, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of sensory or consumer research experience, including descriptive panel leadership.
• Statistical analysis and sensory methodologies knowledge (descriptive analysis, discrimination testing, product-based consumer research).
• Experience developing and maintaining SOPs and training team members on procedures.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage sensory and consumer research studies for flavor and fragrance projects.
• Lead internal sensory panels, including study scheduling, design, coordination, data analysis, reporting and follow-up.
• Support Descriptive Analysis program: panelist recruitment, training, lexicon development, data collection and interpretation.
• Develop and validate sensory methodologies and testing protocols.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Presentation skills

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science

Master’s degree in Sensory Science

Tools

Compusense

Job description

Location

Northbrook, IL

Position Overview

Bell Flavors & Fragrances is seeking a Sensory Scientist to design and lead sensory and consumer research that supports product development, innovation, quality, and business decision-making. Reporting to the Manager of Sensory & Consumer Science, this position will apply scientific research methods and statistical analysis to generate actionable insights for internal teams and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage sensory and consumer research studies for flavor and fragrance projects.
• Lead internal sensory panels, including study scheduling, study design, sample coordination, data analysis, reporting, and follow-up.
• Support the Descriptive Analysis program through panelist recruitment, training, lexicon development, data collection, and results interpretation.
• Develop and validate sensory methodologies, testing protocols, and best practices.
• Analyze research data and communicate findings and recommendations to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• As needed, manage external research vendors, project timelines, budgets, fieldwork, and deliverables.
• Maintain accurate research records, protocols, datasets, reports, and laboratory documentation.
• Partner with R&D, Marketing, Sales, Regulatory, Quality, and Innovation teams to translate sensory insights into business recommendations.
• Follow company safety, quality, food safety, laboratory, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, sensory science, or a related field, such as biology, physiology, psychology, statistics, consumer science, or cognitive science.
• Five to seven years of sensory or consumer research experience, including descriptive panel leadership.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis and sensory methodologies, including descriptive analysis, discrimination testing, and product-based consumer research.
• Experience developing and maintaining laboratory or facility SOPs and training team members on established procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other Windows-based software.
• Ability to identify, distinguish, and clearly communicate differences among flavor and aroma stimuli.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Sensory Science.
• Flavor or fragrance industry experience.
• ServSafe Manager Certification.
• Experience using Compusense or similar sensory research software.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to taste and smell a wide range of food, beverage, flavor, and fragrance products.
• Ability to perform sensory evaluations without wearing fragrances or other scented products that could interfere with testing.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds and transport samples and supplies.
• Ability to work around food ingredients, allergens, odors, temperature changes, and cleaning agents while wearing required personal protective equipment.

Why Bell?

• Collaborative with cross-functional experts and contribute to consumer insights in an innovative environment
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on product quality
• Comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities
• Competitive salary range $75,000 - $85,000

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.