Sensory Scientist

Tyson Foods, Inc.; Springdale (AR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Tyson Foods, Inc. seeks a Sensory Scientist to lead the sensory learning agenda and collaborate with R&D, Marketing and Consumer Insights to drive product excellence.

The role emphasizes applying sensory data analysis, designing robust validation, and sustaining consumer expectations while identifying new methods to advance Tyson's sensory function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Sensory, Food Science or Psychology; 2+ years in field.
• MS/PhD can substitute for experience; PhD/MS preferred in some cases.
• Experience with food products (frozen, refrigerated, shelf-stable) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Leads the sensory learning agenda for tactical and strategic initiatives.
• Balances hybrid research approaches with deep sensory knowledge.
• Translates consumer expectations into product development guidance.
• Interacts with cross-functional teams to share insights and advice.
• Works through ambiguity with guidance from management and adapts to needs.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data interpretation

Statistical analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Sensory, Food Science or Psychology

MS in Sensory Science or related field

PhD in Sensory Science or related field

Tools

SIMS

RedJade

Excel

Power BI

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

Requirements

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.). Must have extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly in Excel, including advanced functions, pivot tables, and data visualization tools like Power BI. Experience in sensory software such as SIMs or RedJade is a plus.

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)

Certain Roles at Tyson Require Background Checks

Yes. 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.

Hourly Applicants Only

Hourly Applicants ONLY

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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Recruitment Policy

Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.