Sensory Scientist - Erlanger, KY

Archer Daniels Midland • Erlanger, KY

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Scientist supports sensory and technical projects, as well as cross-functional initiatives, to meet internal and customer needs. This role independently manages daily tasks, completes work on time, and communicates updates effectively while supporting project timelines and identifying when additional resources are needed. This position applies strong technical problem-solving skills, root cause analysis, and technical issue resolution. This position supports the planning, design, execution, and reporting of sensory panels, including descriptive panel activities, while maintaining best practices for data quality, lab upkeep, and documentation. The use of tools such as Microsoft Office and Compusense proficiently and contributes to customer, team, and cross-functional meetings with guidance. The role requires developing project leadership, leadership capability, and cross-functional collaboration, with a focus on continuous learning, industry knowledge, and proactive development. Knowledge of statistical methods and data analysis is preferred. A college degree or higher in chemistry, food science, psychology, sensory science, or a related field, along with four years of relevant experience, is required. Essential Functions: Exhibits intellectual curiosity and develops creative solutions for business and research objectives. Works effectively in cross-functional relationships and with external research suppliers. Demonstrates a high level of accountability and self-direction. Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently. Team Player who can work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment. Leads custom sensory and consumer product research across various techniques, including descriptive analysis, consumer quantitative, and qualitative, through all stages: design, execution, analysis, and recommendation. Excellent analysis of data and translation into findings for broad audiences. Creates actionable recommendations for innovative product development and quality. Experience creating or using designs of experiments and drivers of liking research. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including timely follow-up and commitment to deliverables, and openness to give and receive feedback. Stays current on new approaches and best practices within sensory and consumer research. Experience with statistical analysis and data interpretation is preferred.

Requirements

• College degree or higher in chemistry, food science, psychology, sensory science, or a related field.
• Four years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Statistics, Psychology, or related field.
• 4 years of industry experience.
• Ability to design and run experiments, including the selection of samples, testing procedures, and statistical methods.
• Understanding of Compusense Cloud data collection software and XLstat statistical software.
• Working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability and willingness to evaluate food and beverage products daily.
• Ability to function independently while interacting with ADM management, facility management, and ADM contract employees and ADM customers.
• Meticulous attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of statistical methods and data analysis is preferred.
• Master’s degree with an emphasis in Sensory Science preferred.
• Experience with advanced stats and Artificial intelligence is a plus.
• Experience creating or using designs of experiments and drivers of liking research.
• Experience with statistical analysis and data interpretation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supports sensory and technical projects, as well as cross-functional initiatives, to meet internal and customer needs.
• Independently manages daily tasks, completes work on time, and communicates updates effectively while supporting project timelines and identifying when additional resources are needed.
• Applies strong technical problem-solving skills, root cause analysis, and technical issue resolution.
• Supports the planning, design, execution, and reporting of sensory panels, including descriptive panel activities, while maintaining best practices for data quality, lab upkeep, and documentation.
• Uses tools such as Microsoft Office and Compusense proficiently.
• Contributes to customer, team, and cross-functional meetings with guidance.
• Develops project leadership, leadership capability, and cross-functional collaboration, with a focus on continuous learning, industry knowledge, and proactive development.
• Exhibits intellectual curiosity and develops creative solutions for business and research objectives.
• Works effectively in cross-functional relationships and with external research suppliers.
• Demonstrates a high level of accountability and self-direction.
• Manages multiple projects concurrently.
• Works in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment.
• Leads custom sensory and consumer product research across various techniques, including descriptive analysis, consumer quantitative, and qualitative, through all stages: design, execution, analysis, and recommendation.
• Analyzes data and translates findings into actionable recommendations for innovative product development and quality.
• Creates actionable recommendations for innovative product development and quality.
• Stays current on new approaches and best practices within sensory and consumer research.
• Maintains housekeeping and observes safety standards in the lab.
• Evaluates food and beverage products daily.
• Prioritizes projects against available resources.
• Troubleshoots and solves problems in team environments.
• Resolves conflicts effectively to encourage teamwork without breaking cohesion and trust.
• Maintains confidential and highly sensitive information.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Medical/Rx
• Dental
• Vision
• On-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable)
• Flexible spending accounts
• Health savings account
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Cash balance plan
• Discounted employee stock purchasing program
• Life insurance
• Disability
• Workers’ compensation
• Legal assistance
• Identity theft protection
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares)
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Adoption assistance
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Tuition assistance
• Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level