Sensory & Consumer Scientist

Mars • Chicago, IL

3d • $64,127 - $88,174

About The Position

At Mars Food & Nutrition, the Sensory & Consumer Scientist brings the consumer voice into business decisions and helps shape innovation and the product portfolio. The role partners with cross-functional teams across R&D, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Quality & Food Safety, and Commercial to generate consumer and sensory insights that inform product design, innovation strategies, and renovation projects globally.

The position combines scientific rigor, analytical thinking, and commercial curiosity. It involves leading research across the product development lifecycle, interpreting findings, and turning them into recommendations and actions. The role also builds external research partnerships and applies evolving methods, tools, and technologies to deepen consumer understanding.

Requirements

• Academic background in Sensory Science, Consumer Science, Food Science, Life Sciences, Consumer Research, or a related discipline.
• Experience leading sensory and consumer research programs within an R&D, innovation, or product development environment.
• Strong understanding of research methodologies, experimental design, and data interpretation.
• Experience translating consumer insights into product recommendations and influencing decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders while maintaining quality and scientific integrity.
• Experience collaborating with external research agencies and building effective partnerships.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead sensory and consumer research programs that generate actionable insights throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Design, execute, and interpret sensory and consumer studies to understand the relationship between consumers and products.
• Translate complex research findings into clear recommendations that guide product design, innovation, and business decisions.
• Partner with R&D, Marketing, Consumer Insights, and Commercial teams to embed consumer learnings in product development strategies.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen product claims and validate them through consumer testing.
• Build relationships with external research partners and leverage emerging methodologies, tools, and technologies.
• Provide expertise in research design, data analysis, statistical approaches, and sensory and consumer science best practices.
• Stay connected to industry developments and identify opportunities to strengthen the consumer-centric approach.

Benefits

• Learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
• Industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.
• Medical benefits.
• Dental benefits.
• Participation in a 401k plan.
• Paid time off benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed