Sensory Scientist/Panel Leader

Kerry Ingredients and Flavours•Beloit, WI

56d•$75,602 - $123,432•Onsite

About The Position

This role encompasses leading a descriptive sensory panel and maintaining an end-use market as a sensory lead. The position requires strong leadership, technical expertise in sensory science, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to support business objectives through high-quality sensory insights.

Requirements

Expertise in sensory science, particularly descriptive analysis and SDA methodology.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Proficiency in sensory data analysis tools and statistical interpretation.
Excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to collaborate across functions including R&D, marketing, and business development.
Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Food Science, Sensory Science, or a related field.
Prior experience leading and managing sensory panels is essential.
Familiarity with temporal and discrimination testing methods.
Occasional travel (approximately once a month) may be required for customer visits or panel-related activities.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Spectrum Descriptive Analysis is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage a trained sensory panel of 8-16 individuals using the Spectrum Descriptive Analysis (SDA) method.
Develop and implement project-specific training and calibration plans.
Facilitate training, calibration, and testing sessions in compliance with SDA methodology.
Define and maintain reference materials for all attributes of interest.
Monitor and evaluate panel performance; address underperformance through retraining and recalibration.
Maintain panel size through recruitment, screening, and fit-for-purpose assessments.
Design and execute sensory testing using SDA, temporal, and discrimination methods.
Analyze data using relevant sensory software and interpret panel performance metrics.
Communicate findings to sensory leads and project stakeholders.
Meet with stakeholders to understand business objectives and define sensory goals.
Collaborate with sensory project leads to select appropriate methodologies and testing logistics.
Coordinate with technicians and technologists to ensure timely preparation of test materials and references.
Act as the sensory lead for an end-use market, maintaining a pipeline of internal and customer-facing projects.
Design, organize, and execute sensory studies aligned with business objectives.
Analyze and interpret test results, providing actionable insights and next steps.
Stay current with sensory science developments and adopt new techniques to enhance capabilities.