Associate Scientist

Job Overview

The Associate Sensory Scientist will use his/her knowledge of sensory science to deliver research for innovation and renovation initiatives, as well as participate in the development of sensory and consumer capabilities. The individual will interact extensively with Product Development, Marketing, Sales, Quality, Regulatory, Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, and External Customers to deliver business objectives.

The Associate Sensory Scientist will be responsible for leading an internal descriptive panel and independently analyzing the data and presenting findings to various audiences. The Associate Sensory Scientist will support designing the research plan, determining appropriate sensory and consumer research methodologies, coordinating tests, analyzing and interpreting experimental data and providing technical recommendations, reporting results orally and in written documentation in a timely manner.

He/she will ensure products are well optimized and deliver on the targeted key parameters.

• Lead an internal Descriptive Analysis panel - This includes all aspects of panel management including but not limited to descriptive language development, training, calibrating panel members, providing instructive feedback to the panel in general and to individuals, analyzing data, and presenting results to cross functional team
• With support from team, deliver sensory research within R&D, meeting business objectives, driving standards, consistency and ensuring excellence in research.
• Provide feedback to appropriate cross functional team members and customers; reports findings and communicates next steps to team members with manager supervision. Actively participates in project team meetings as required and ensures delivery of commitments and project milestones.
• Independently deliver sensory experiments/tasks.
• Create research plans to fit overall business priorities and objectives, apply design of experiments to sensory tests, and interpret statistical analysis of the results of sensory test with manager or mentor’s guidance.
• Generate high quality, robust, compliant data, and reports. Support improvement of standardized sensory practices, protocols, and processes across various functions of the organization. Perform comprehensive, sophisticated, and critical evaluation of own data and data from other scientists.
• Work closely with other Sensory Scientists and work effectively with various functions of R&D (Ingredients, Nutrition, Regulatory, Flavor Technology, Chemistry, Process Engineering, and Technical Services)
• Manage projects within a cross-functional team consisting of members across various departments of KDP (R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, Sales)
• Communicate clearly and concisely to audiences with a wide range of understanding of Sensory Science.
• Be able to effectively prioritize work and manage through complexity and ambiguity.
• Demonstrate flexibility and resilience in adapting to changing business needs and priorities.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and strengthen our culture of inclusion.
• A successful candidate will exhibit a passion for innovation.

• Salary Range: $55,700 - $82,500
• Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
• Benefits, subject to election and eligibility:
  Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility

• BS degree from an accredited university (e.g. Food Science, Sensory Science) AND/OR MS degree from an accredited university (e.g. Food Science) a Plus
• 1-2 years of Sensory field experience in a related function within food/beverage (R&D, Quality), CPG internship / co-op, or commensurate advanced education
• 1-2 years of experience utilizing sensory research software (i.e. Compusense, FIZZ, JMP) preferred
• Expert practitioner in Sensory Science with proven scientific expertise including knowledge of
• Beverage industry experience (especially in coffee)…