Sensory Scientist - Erlanger, KY

ADM; Erlanger (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM is seeking a Scientist to support sensory and technical projects and cross-functional initiatives. You will independently manage daily tasks, meet timelines, and communicate updates while supporting project timelines and resource planning.

The role requires strong problem solving, data analysis, and collaboration across teams. Responsibilities include leading sensory and consumer research, designing experiments, analyzing data with statistical methods, and translating results into actionable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Statistics, Psychology or related field; Master’s preferred
• 4 years of industry experience
• Ability to design and run experiments with appropriate statistics
• Experience with Compusense Cloud and XLSTAT

Responsibilities

• Leads sensory and consumer research across methods from design to recommendation
• Analyzes data and translates findings for broad audiences
• Develops actionable recommendations for product development and quality
• Collaborates cross-functionally and manages multiple projects

Skills

Statistical analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Project leadership

Experiment design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science/Statistics/Psychology

Master’s degree in Sensory Science preferred

Tools

Compusense Cloud

XLSTAT

MS Office

Job description

The Scientist supports sensory and technical projects, as well as cross-functional initiatives, to meet internal and customer needs. This role independently manages daily tasks, completes work on time, and communicates updates effectively while supporting project timelines and identifying when additional resources are needed. This position applies strong technical problem-solving skills, root cause analysis, and technical issue resolution. This position supports the planning, design, execution, and reporting of sensory panels, including descriptive panel activities, while maintaining best practices for data quality, lab upkeep, and documentation. The use of tools such as Microsoft Office and Compusense proficiently and contributes to customer, team, and cross-functional meetings with guidance. The role requires developing project leadership, leadership capability, and cross-functional collaboration, with a focus on continuous learning, industry knowledge, and proactive development. Knowledge of statistical methods and data analysis is preferred. A college degree or higher in chemistry, food science, psychology, sensory science, or a related field, along with four years of relevant experience, is required.

Essential Functions

• Exhibits intellectual curiosity and develops creative solutions for business and research objectives.
• Works effectively in cross-functional relationships and with external research suppliers.
• Demonstrates a high level of accountability and self-direction.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Team Player who can work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment.
• Leads custom sensory and consumer product research across various techniques, including descriptive analysis, consumer quantitative, and qualitative, through all stages: design, execution, analysis, and recommendation.
• Excellent analysis of data and translation into findings for broad audiences.
• Creates actionable recommendations for innovative product development and quality.
• Experience creating or using designs of experiments and drivers of liking research.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including timely follow-up and commitment to deliverables, and openness to give and receive feedback.
• Stays current on new approaches and best practices within sensory and consumer research.
• Experience with statistical analysis and data interpretation is preferred

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Statistics, Psychology, or related field; Master’s degree with an emphasis in Sensory Science preferred
• 4 years of industry experience.
• Ability to design and run experiments, including the selection of samples, testing procedures, and statistical methods.
• Understanding of Compusense Cloud data collection software and XLstat statistical software.
• Experience with advanced stats and Artificial intelligence is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Office.
• Maintain housekeeping and observe safety standards in the lab.
• Ability and willingness to evaluate food and beverage products daily.
• Ability to travel 10%.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to function independently while interacting with ADM management, facility management, and ADM contract employees and ADM customers.
• Prioritization of projects against available resources.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving in team environments.
• Effective writing and oral communication skills.
• Resolving conflicts effectively to encourage teamwork without breaking cohesion and trust.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Maintain confidential and highly sensitive information.

Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

REF:113107BR