Sensory Technologist

Perdue Farms; Salisbury (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

Perdue Farms is seeking a Sensory Technologist to join the Innovation Center in Salisbury, MD. You will drive product quality and innovation through hands-on sensory research, coordinating studies, executing tests, and translating results into actionable insights for product development and marketing.

This onsite role offers a pathway to collaborate with sensory scientists, technicians, R&D and Marketing, delivering recommendations that strengthen Perdue brands and support launch timelines;

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Nutrition or related field.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods related to sensory science.
• Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to partner with multiple teams to provide insight.

Responsibilities

• Support execution of sensory test designs for product optimization and innovation.
• Prepare and support execution of sensory tests with the team, R&D, and Marketing.
• Deliver feedback to Product Development, Marketing, Foodservice, and Market Research.
• Coordinate sensory testing priorities across departments to align with business objectives.
• Administer sensory testing databases and participant management processes.
• Monitor compliance with sensory protocols and suggest improvements.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Interpersonal skills

Sensory science

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Science/Agri/Nutrition

Tools

Compusense

Job description

Sensory Technologist

Salisbury, Maryland, United States

Job ID 80977 Job Category Research & Development

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Drive product quality and innovation through hands-on sensory research and consumer insights. As a Sensory Technologist, you will support the sensory team within the R&D organization by coordinating research activities, executing sensory testing, and translating results into meaningful insights that influence product development. You will partner closely with sensory scientists, technicians, R&D, and Marketing to support customized research designs, analyze data, and deliver actionable recommendations that strengthen Perdue’s brands, product quality, and innovation initiatives. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, curious, and collaborative professional who enjoys combining science, research, and consumer perspectives to help create products that meet evolving consumer needs.

This is an onsite position at our Innovation Center in Salisbury, MD.

The salary range for this position is$60,000 - $90,000 per year, based on experience and qualificationswith annual bonusavailable(variable dependingon performance). Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates to support a smooth and successful transition.

In addition to the base salary,Perdueoffersa competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx,401(k)with employer match after 1 year,critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

• Support execution of sensory test designs for Research and Development product optimization and innovation.
• Prepare and support execution of sensory tests by working with the sensory team, Research and Development, and Marketing.
• Deliver feedback to appropriate team members and customers, including Product Development, Marketing, Foodservice, and Market Research.
• Follow up and assist as needed to ensure report findings are implemented.
• Communicate next steps in projects to team members.
• Coordinate sensory testing priorities across Research and Development, Marketing, Operations, and external suppliers to ensure alignment with business objectives, product launch timelines, and resource constraints.
• Balance competing testing priorities and elevate risks as appropriate.
• Serve as administrator of sensory testing databases and participant management processes.
• Monitor compliance with sensory research protocols, identify process gaps, and recommend process improvements to improve efficiency, quality, and data integrity.
• Support ongoing sensory improvement processes, including support for all Research and Development categories, the sensory shelf-life program, and quality control and quality assurance sensory programs at manufacturing facilities.
• Evaluate sensory testing workflows and recommend modifications to procedures, resource allocation, scheduling practices, and communication processes to improve efficiency and alignment with business needs.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Nutrition, or a related discipline.
• 0-2 years of work experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods related to sensory science.
• Excellent teamwork skills with a positive, can-do attitude and the ability to partner with various teams throughout the organization to provide insight.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Sensory experience.
• Knowledge of Compusense.
• Basic statistics and sensory methodology knowledge.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional movement to other offices or buildings.
• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
• May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.
• Work activity occurs in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.
• Travel within the United States 10-25%.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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