Sensory Scientist III

Agricultural Ingredients N. America; Hoffman Estates (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sensient Technologies is seeking a Sensory Scientist III to lead sensory research that informs product decisions across flavor, color, and consumer insights. You will design studies, run panels, and partner with technical, quality, sales, and marketing teams to translate data into actionable results.

The role requires strong sensory and statistical skills, experience leading descriptive analysis panels, and the ability to manage lab operations in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in science, food science, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in sensory science.
• Proficient in discrimination testing, descriptive analysis and consumer testing.
• Strong background in statistics and analysis of sensory and consumer data.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to taste a wide range of food and flavor products.

Responsibilities

• Provide sensory expertise to cross-functional teams to support business objectives.
• Design, plan and execute sensory research studies; analyze and present results.
• Lead sensory training with cross-functional teams and external customers.
• Train and maintain high performing descriptive analysis panel.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the sensory lab with support from a technician.
• Lead bench cuttings and taste evaluations for panel qualification.
• Maintain safe, clean work area following GLP procedures.

Skills

Discrimination testing

Descriptive analysis

Consumer testing

Statistics

Data presentation

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in science or related field

Job description

Sensory Scientist III

At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in science, art and innovation of color and flavor. We are market-savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we will be better with you.

Position Summary

If you are curious about how people experience food, flavor, and sensory characteristics, this role gives you the opportunity to lead sensory research that supports real business and product decisions. As a Sensory Scientist III, you will partner with Technical, Quality, Sales, and Marketing to deliver actionable sensory and consumer insights to enhance business results and opportunities. This position is ideal for someone with strong sensory and statistical skills who is comfortable independently leading, designing, and conducting sensory and consumer studies.

What you’ll do

• Provide sensory expertise to Technical, Quality, Sales, and Marketing teams to support business objectives.
• Design, plan, and execute sensory research studies. Analyze, interpret, and present report and effectively communicate actionable results.
• Lead sensory training with cross-functional teams and external customers.
• Train and maintain high performing descriptive analysis panel.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the sensory lab including preparation of samples and setting up panels with support from sensory technician.
• Lead bench cuttings and taste evaluations in selecting qualified finished products for Sensory panels.
• Maintains safe, clean and orderly work area following the company’s safety procedures and general GLP’s.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in science, food science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in sensory science.
• Proficient in discrimination testing, descriptive analysis, and consumer testing.
• Strong background in statistics and analysis of sensory and consumer data. Skilled in effectively presenting complex sensory and consumer data.
• Ability to multi-task and work efficiently in fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to taste a wide range of food and flavor products as part of the role.

What you’ll get

• Hands-on experience leading sensory research from design, execution, and reporting results.
• Exposure to sensory science, product development, and food, flavor and color applications.
• Opportunities to explore new and advanced sensory methods and collaborate with other sensory professionals and teams across the organization.
• A professional laboratory environment where accuracy, teamwork, and curiosity are valued.
• The opportunity to contribute to products and innovations that reach consumers around the world.

About Sensient

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.

About Sensient Colors

Sensient Colors is a leading developer, producer, and supplier of natural and synthetic color systems for customers around the globe. The Company's high-performance products play a vital role in the manufacture of foods and beverages, cosmetic and pharmaceutical colors and coatings, and colors for agricultural uses, household cleaners and paper products.

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $110,000. Pay within the range is based on several factors, which may include, but are not limited to, education, work experience, specialized training, and labor market conditions. In addition to salary, Sensient is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families.

SPONSORSHP: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment visa sponsorship.
THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.

Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.