Sensory Scientist

AgHires; Springdale (AR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k)

Health, dental, vision benefits

Employee discounts

Job summary

Tyson Foods seeks a highly skilled Sensory Scientist to lead the sensory learning agenda for brand initiatives. This role partners with R&D, Marketing, and Consumer Insights to influence product decisions and drive continuous improvement in sensory performance.

The candidate will work on front-end exploration and validation of sensory cues, applying test-and-learn approaches to maintain and elevate product quality for flagship foods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Sensory, Food Science, or Psychology required or equivalent.
• Advanced degrees preferred for higher levels.
• Experience with sensory data analysis and product evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Leads the Sensory learning agenda for tactical and strategic initiatives; evaluates impact on business.
• Balances hybrid research approaches with deep sensory attribute knowledge to deliver guidance for R&D.
• Translates consumer expectations to aid in product development and assessment of new technologies.
• Interacts with cross-functional teams; shares insights and provides guidance on product challenges.
• Manages ambiguous situations with management support and adjusts to evolving business needs.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality and External Research Vendors.

Skills

Sensory data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology

Master's degree in Sensory Science or related field

Ph.D. in Sensory Science or related field

Tools

Statistical analysis tools (e.g., JMP, SAS)

Job description

Job Details

Applying to this requisition will put you into considering for either Sensory Scientist I, Sensory Scientist II, or Senior Sensory Scientist I. Level will be determined through the interview process.

Job Summary

The Sensory Scientist role leads the sensory learning agenda for specific initiatives within brands/categories. At Tyson Foods, our Sensory leaders are strategic business partners. From front end exploration of sensory cues to robust validation, the Sensory Scientist plays a critical role in designing and launching winning innovative products. As a champion of our Consumer Product Performance Program, the Sensory Scientist ensures that our flagship products maintain the quality expectations of our long-time consumers while being challenged to identify new methods and approaches to drive continuous improvement and elevate the sensory function. In collaboration with R&D, Marketing and Consumer Insights, the Sensory Scientist influences important business decisions across all business units supported.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads the Sensory learning agenda for both tactical and strategic initiatives; provides perspective on how projects impact the business long term
• Leverages skills to effectively balance hybrid research approaches with existing knowledge and deep understanding of key sensory attributes to quickly deliver actionable guidance for R&D
• Translates consumer expectations to aid in functional product development and assessment of new technologies
• Interacts with cross functional teams, sharing key insights and offering advice on product-related challenges
• Works through ambiguous situations with assistance from management and demonstrates agility in adjusting to evolving business needs
• Develops & maintains strategic partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality and External Research Vendors
• Champions the consumer product performance program and recommends action into strategic planning
• Stays up to date on new research techniques through conferences, research materials and industry experts, applying methods new to Tyson, as appropriate, through a 'test and learn' approach with assistance from management

Sensory Scientist I

Education and experience: 2+ years experience required with a Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study; No experience required with a Ph.D. or M.S.; 8+ years of relevant and practical experience is required with no degree. Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf stable meat products a plus.

Sensory Scientist II

Education and experience: 4+ years experience required with a Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study; 2+ years of relevant work with a M.S; No practical work experience required with a Ph.D.; 8+ years of relevant and practical experience is required without an applicable degree. Sensory M.S., Ph.D., or Sensory Certification is preferred. Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf stable meat products preferred.

Senior Sensory Scientist I

Education and experience: 6+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study; 4+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Master's degree; 2+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Ph.D.; 12+ years of relevant and practical work experience if required without an applicable degree. Sensory M.S., Ph.D., or Sensory Certification is preferred. Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf stable meat products required. Prior experience with some advanced methods such as Drivers of Liking, IHUTs, combination quant/qual preferred.

Special/Technical Skills

Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills. Time Management and results oriented is critical. Experience in applying core sensory data analysis (DI tests, ANOVA, t-tests, etc.) is required. Strong ability to analyze and interpret data and provide clear recommendations on basic internal and external guidance and validation studies. Demonstrated understanding of design of experiments and category appraisal methodologies., etc).

Communication Skills

Must be able to foster a collaborative and positive team environment, demonstrating clear and open communication with colleagues. Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills as well as strong presentation skills and be able to deliver basic research insights cross functionally.

Supervisory

None

Travel

Up to 15% travel

Relocation Assistance Eligible

Yes

Work Shift

1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

Background Check

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

Benefits

We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.

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