Senior Sensory Scientist
About The Position
The Senior Sensory Scientist I leads the sensory learning agenda for specific initiatives within brands and categories and serves as a strategic business partner. The role contributes from early exploration of sensory cues through validation to support the design and launch of innovative products, while helping ensure flagship products meet established consumer quality expectations. The scientist identifies new methods and approaches to continuously improve and elevate the sensory function. In collaboration with R&D, Marketing, and Consumer Insights, the role provides insights that inform business decisions. The position is based in Springdale, Arkansas, and may offer relocation support to qualifying candidates under Tyson’s relocation policy. Travel may be up to 25%. The role has no direct reports, but includes training and mentoring junior team members.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field.
- Proficiency in food or meat science.
- Industry experience: 6 or more years with a bachelor’s degree, 4 or more years with a master’s degree, or 2 or more years with a Ph.D.
- Skills in Food Science, Sensory Science, advanced data analysis (including design of experiments and category appraisals), qualitative and quantitative research, new methods development, Microsoft Office, project management, budget management, leadership, independence, strategic agility, holistic thinking, influence, collaboration, analytical thinking, risk assessment, prioritization, and troubleshooting.
- Willingness and ability to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including protecting sensitive information, following company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual contributors are expected to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency, critically evaluate outputs, and apply professional judgment.
Nice To Haves
- M.S., Ph.D., or Sensory Certification.
- Experience managing and/or mentoring junior team members.
Responsibilities
- Lead the sensory learning agenda for strategic and tactical initiatives and provide perspective on their potential long-term business impact.
- Balance hybrid research approaches with existing knowledge and understanding of key sensory attributes to provide actionable guidance to R&D.
- Translate consumer expectations to support functional product development and assessment of new technologies.
- Share key insights with the leadership team and advise on product-related challenges.
- Work through ambiguous situations with manager support and adjust to evolving business needs.
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality, and external research vendors.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and development of the sensory function and personal capabilities.
- Manage the sensory budget and prioritize immediate and forward-looking strategic needs with manager support.
- Champion the consumer product quality program and recommend actions for strategic planning.
- Stay current on research techniques through conferences, research materials, and industry experts, and apply methods new to Tyson using a test-and-learn approach as appropriate.
- Motivate, engage, train, and mentor junior team members.
- Travel up to 25%.
Benefits
- Paid time off.
- 401(k) plan.
- Affordable health insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Dental insurance.
- Vision insurance.
- Prescription drug benefits.
- Relocation assistance may be available to qualifying candidates.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
