Sensory Scientist

Lactalis USA Inc.•Buffalo, NY

5d•$65,000 - $79,000•Onsite

About The Position

Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Sensory Scientist based in Buffalo, New York. As a Sensory scientist, the role will carry out responsibilities such as coordinating and directing various Sensory activities including the Sensory Expert and Plant Trained Panels. This will include providing detailed statistics on panel results as well as contributing to the deployment of the Quality Product Process within the Lactalis American Group. Further, the scientist will be required to provide Monthly summary reports to the plants, Corporate QA and France QA. Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Sensory Scientist based in Buffalo, New York. As a Sensory scientist, the role will carry out responsibilities such as coordinating and directing various Sensory activities including the Sensory Expert and Plant Trained Panels. This will include providing detailed statistics on panel results as well as contributing to the deployment of the Quality Product Process within the Lactalis American Group. Further, the scientist will be required to provide Monthly summary reports to the plants, Corporate QA and France QA.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree is preferred.
A major in Food Science is a plus
4+ years R&D or Food Science experience is required.
Experience in Food Industry preferred
Must have some experience with conducting sensory testing, setup and interpretation of results.
Must have some knowledge of cheese and have a desire to learn and explore the various varieties, qualities, etc.
Good knowledge of statistics and data analysis
Good knowledge and sensory evaluation

Responsibilities

Provide technical knowledge as it relates to sensory evaluation that is currently acceptable in the sensory field.
Manage and oversee all aspects of the Sensory Expert Panels of various dairy categories: Procure commercially available products for tasting as needed, Prepare samples for the expert panels, Set up the room for tasting sessions, Manage panel attendance for panelist compensation, Analyze the results by following best practices and using appropriate statistical tools, Maintain the Expert Panel performance and ensure proper training sessions as needed. Recruit new members as needed, following the proper selection process.
Manage and oversee the deployment of Plant Trained Panels for Sensory Analysis within Lactalis manufacturing plants, including training of sensory coordinators, creation of SOPs, and monthly report.
Alert plant and corporate quality teams regarding negative trends in product performance results by both expert and factory trained panels.
Prepare monthly technical report of pillar product performance from plants trained and expert panel data to be submitted to Lactalis Global QA and internal Quality, Marketing, and R&D cross-teams.
Maintain communications with Counterparts in France and Canada to exchange scientific advancements related to sensory testing, best practices, data analysis and reporting.
Work with the Marketing Department during the consumer test (60/40, preference mapping, etc.). Be part of the sample evaluation and validation through the Expert Panel prior to the test. Contribute to verify that the consumer test is done under proper conditions. Provide a report from the Expert Panel results to validate and cross verify external results.
Manage, control, and schedule the expert panel sessions to achieve the yearly objectives (Pillar Product monitoring, Star Product monitoring, training, R&D assistance, Marketing support).
Maintain an updated database of all sensory tests as well as selection, training and performance evaluation of Expert Panels, plus all other relevant information.
Work with members of the ELT (executive leadership team) to organize monthly sample tastings as well as analyze data provided during those activities as needed.
Develop new sensory procedures that supplement what is currently in place and that are tailored to answer questions posed by R&D and Marketing as needed.
Provide technical assistance as needed during investigation related to Quality.
Work with Research and Development as well as Marketing teams and provide technical guidance and support as needed for special projects.
Support the culinary manager with product functionality evaluations and/or development of new recipes as needed.