Data Scientist – Sensory Modeling

NielsenIQ • Massachusetts, MA

6h • $132,000 - $165,000 • Remote

About The Position

As a Data Scientist – Sensory Modeling, you will play a critical role in advancing NIQ’s sensory intelligence capabilities by developing cutting-edge statistical and machine learning models. This role focuses on translating complex sensory and consumer data into actionable insights that inform product innovation and development across FMCG categories and markets.

Requirements

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field
• Strong foundation in probability theory and Bayesian inference
• Experience with hierarchical/mixed-effects models and latent variable modeling
• Hands-on experience with variational inference and/or MCMC methods
• Experience working with consumer or sensory data, ideally within FMCG or adjacent industries
• Understanding of sensory data structures and methodologies (e.g., hedonics, JAR, CATA, trained vs. untrained panels)
• Proficiency in Python and/or R
• Experience with machine learning techniques
• Strong data engineering and SQL capabilities
• Experience working in cloud environments (e.g., Azure)
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex findings into clear business insights

Nice To Haves

• Experience in sensory and consumer science or consumer research analytics
• Experience designing experiments for sensory and consumer studies
• Experience integrating multi-study datasets (sensory, consumer, and product data)
• Familiarity with marketing science and innovation analytics
• Understanding of end-to-end product development and innovation processes
• Experience building reusable, scalable modeling frameworks
• Experience addressing panelist effects, scale-use bias, and cross-cultural differences
• Proven ability to integrate heterogeneous datasets into unified modeling frameworks
• Exposure to formulation or ingredient-level data and its relationship to sensory perception

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced statistical and machine learning models to analyze and predict consumer sensory preferences across products, markets, and demographics
• Design and implement models for latent harmonization of sensory and consumer datasets across studies, methodologies, and geographies
• Build and apply Bayesian and hierarchical/mixed-effects models to estimate liking and sensory attribute performance
• Develop frameworks for partial pooling and cross-product generalization
• Translate sensory panel data into probabilistic predictions aligned with reference populations
• Partner with research and client success teams to design effective consumer sensory studies and experimental frameworks
• Validate and calibrate models to ensure robustness, interpretability, and business relevance
• Prototype and productionize scalable analytics pipelines
• Automate data harmonization and reporting processes across sensory and consumer datasets
• Communicate insights clearly to stakeholders, translating analytical outputs into actionable R&D and product development recommendations
• Stay current with advancements in Bayesian modeling, machine learning, and sensory science

Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Comprehensive healthcare plan (medical, Rx, dental and vision)
• Flexible spending accounts and Health Savings Account (including company contributions)
• Life and AD&D insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan including company matching contributions
• Disability insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Discretionary paid time off program and 11 paid holidays
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior