Summary

Our R&D team is growing!  The Sensory Scientist is the responsible liaison between research and development and marketing and provide superior sensory guidance for the organization.  The sensory scientist will collaborate with various business teams to customize a research design using appropriate research methods to meet the project and business goals.  Responsible for the test execution, analysis and reporting of data.  By working closely with the Sensory Manager, the Sensory Scientist will be responsible for other aspects of sensory research and consumer insights for product optimization and innovation.  

The salary range for this position is $63,000 - $95,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).  

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

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Designs sensory methodologies in support of product optimization and innovation.
• Coordinates the execution of the test and manages the preparation of resources needed for the test design, including excellent communication with the sensory technicians.
• Analyzes the data and provides feedback to appropriate team members, including but not limited to product development, marketing, foodservice and market research. Reports findings and provides recommendations of next steps to team members.
• Coordinates and helps manage the internal and external testing schedules.
• Maintains internal and external database of consumers.
• Helps lead development of processes for on-going improvement in sensory including support for all R & D categories, R & D/sensory shelf-life program, and quality control/quality assurance sensory programs at manufacturing facilities.
• Assists in the development of standardized practices, protocols and processes to align sensory across the organization.

Experience Requirements

Bachelors degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Nutrition or related discipline plus 3 – 5 years work experience. Knowledge in Microsoft Office software, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate details both verbally and written.  Knowledge in qualitative and quantitative research methods.  Excellent team player with a positive can do attitude and ability to partner with various teams within the organization to provide insight. 

Experience Preferred

Masters degree.  Sensory experience is a plus.  Knowledge in XLSTAT, Compusense and/or SAS a plus.  Strong statistics and sensory methodology knowledge a plus.  

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

1. Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional moving to other offices or buildings.
2. May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
3. May need to access files, supplies and equipment.