Sensory Scientist

Bell•Northbrook, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Bell Flavors & Fragrances is seeking a Sensory Scientist to design and lead sensory and consumer research supporting product development, innovation, quality, and business decision-making. Reporting to the Manager of Sensory & Consumer Science, the role applies scientific research methods and statistical analysis to generate actionable insights for internal teams and customers. The Sensory Scientist designs and manages research studies, leads internal sensory panels, supports the Descriptive Analysis program, develops and validates sensory methodologies, analyzes data, and communicates findings and recommendations. The position may also manage external research vendors and is responsible for maintaining research documentation and following company safety, quality, food safety, laboratory, and regulatory requirements. The role partners with R&D, Marketing, Sales, Regulatory, Quality, and Innovation teams to turn sensory insights into business recommendations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in food science, sensory science, or a related field, such as biology, physiology, psychology, statistics, consumer science, or cognitive science.
Five to seven years of sensory or consumer research experience, including descriptive panel leadership.
Working knowledge of statistical analysis and sensory methodologies, including descriptive analysis, discrimination testing, and product-based consumer research.
Experience developing and maintaining laboratory or facility SOPs and training team members on established procedures.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other Windows-based software.
Ability to identify, distinguish, and clearly communicate differences among flavor and aroma stimuli.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Ability to taste and smell a wide range of food, beverage, flavor, and fragrance products.
Ability to perform sensory evaluations without wearing fragrances or other scented products that could interfere with testing.
Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds and transport samples and supplies.
Ability to work around food ingredients, allergens, odors, temperature changes, and cleaning agents while wearing required personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Sensory Science.
Flavor or fragrance industry experience.
ServSafe Manager Certification.
Experience using Compusense or similar sensory research software.

Responsibilities

Design, execute, and manage sensory and consumer research studies for flavor and fragrance projects.
Lead internal sensory panels, including study scheduling and design, sample coordination, data analysis, reporting, and follow-up.
Support the Descriptive Analysis program through panelist recruitment, training, lexicon development, data collection, and interpretation of results.
Develop and validate sensory methodologies, testing protocols, and best practices.
Analyze research data and communicate findings and recommendations to technical and nontechnical audiences.
As needed, manage external research vendors, project timelines, budgets, fieldwork, and deliverables.
Maintain accurate research records, protocols, datasets, reports, and laboratory documentation.
Partner with R&D, Marketing, Sales, Regulatory, Quality, and Innovation teams to translate sensory insights into business recommendations.
Follow company safety, quality, food safety, laboratory, and regulatory requirements.