Senior Sensory Scientist

Tyson Foods•Springdale, AR

About The Position

The Senior Sensory Scientist I leads sensory learning agendas for strategic and tactical initiatives within assigned brands and categories. The role partners with the business to explore sensory cues, validate product performance, support the development of innovative products, and help maintain quality expectations for flagship products. The scientist identifies methods and approaches for continuous improvement and works with R&D, Marketing, Consumer Insights, and other partners to inform business decisions. The position is based in Springdale, Arkansas (Greater NWA). Relocation support may be provided to qualifying candidates under Tyson’s relocation policy. The role is on first shift, requires travel up to 25%, and has no direct reports. The successful candidate must be willing and able to perform the job’s physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field.
Proficiency in food or meat science.
Industry experience of at least 6 years with a bachelor’s degree, 4 years with a master’s degree, or 2 years with a Ph.D.
Skills in food science, sensory science, advanced data analysis, design of experiments, category appraisals, qualitative and quantitative research, new methods development, Microsoft Office, project management, and budget management.
Demonstrated 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.
Travel up to 25%.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree, Ph.D., or sensory certification.
Experience managing and/or mentoring junior team members.

Responsibilities

Lead sensory learning agendas 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 deliver actionable guidance to R&D.
Translate consumer expectations to support functional product development and assessment of new technologies.
Share key insights with leadership 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; apply methods new to Tyson through a test-and-learn approach where appropriate.
Motivate, engage, train, and mentor junior team members.
Use approved AI tools responsibly, protect sensitive information, follow company policies, validate AI-generated outputs, and exercise professional judgment when integrating AI into daily work.