Sensory Scientist - Erlanger, KY

ADM; Erlanger (KY); On-site; USD 64,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Physical wellness

Financial wellness

Mental and social wellness

Job summary

ADM Erlanger, KY seeks a Sensory Scientist to lead sensory and technical projects across consumer product research. You will design and run experiments, analyze data with Compusense Cloud and XLstat, and communicate insights to cross-functional teams, while ensuring data quality and lab upkeep.

You will collaborate with suppliers and ADM colleagues, travel about 10% per year, and contribute to development of innovative products and quality improvements through descriptive analysis and consumer

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Statistics, Psychology, or related field; Master’s in Sensory Science preferred.
• 4 years of industry experience.
• Ability to design and run experiments, including sample selection, testing procedures, and statistics.
• Understanding of Compusense Cloud data collection software and XLstat statistical software.

Responsibilities

• Leads custom sensory and consumer product research across 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.

Skills

Statistical methods

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Statistics, Psychology, or related field

Master’s degree with emphasis in Sensory Science preferred

Tools

Compusense Cloud

XLstat

Microsoft Office

Job description

Sensory Scientist - Erlanger, KY

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.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

The pay range for this position is expected to be between

$63,900.00 - $101,200.00

Salaried Incentive Plan

The total compensation package for this position will also include annual bonus

Benefits and Perks

• Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).

• Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.

• Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).

Additional benefits include

• Paid time off including paid holidays.

• Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.

• Tuition assistance.

• Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.

*Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.

#IncludingYou

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.

We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law

About ADM

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.