Sensory Scientist

Tyson Sales and Distribution•Springdale, AR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sensory Scientist role leads the sensory learning agenda for specific initiatives within brands/categories. At Tyson Foods, our Sensory leaders are strategic business partners. From front end exploration of sensory cues to robust validation, the Sensory Scientist plays a critical role in designing and launching winning innovative products. As a champion of our Consumer Product Performance Program, the Sensory Scientist ensures that our flagship products maintain the quality expectations of our long-time consumers while being challenged to identify new methods and approaches to drive continuous improvement and elevate the sensory function. In collaboration with R&D, Marketing and Consumer Insights, the Sensory Scientist influences important business decisions across all business units supported.

Requirements

Sensory Scientist I: 2+ years experience required with a Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study; No experience required with a Ph.D. or M.S.; 8+ years of relevant and practical experience is required with no degree.
Sensory Scientist II: 4+ years experience required with a Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study; 2+ years of relevant work with a M.S; No practical work experience required with a Ph.D.; 8+ years of relevant and practical experience is required without an applicable degree.
Senior Sensory Scientist I: 6+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study; 4+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Master’s degree; 2+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Ph.D.; 12+ years of relevant and practical work experience if required without an applicable degree.
Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Time Management and results oriented is critical.
Experience in applying core sensory data analysis (DI tests, ANOVA, t-tests, etc.) is required.
Strong ability to analyze and interpret data and provide clear recommendations on basic internal and external guidance and validation studies.
Demonstrated understanding of design of experiments and category appraisal methodologies.
Must have extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly in Excel, including advanced functions, pivot tables, and data visualization tools like Power BI.
Must be able to foster a collaborative and positive team environment, demonstrating clear and open communication with colleagues.
Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills as well as strong presentation skills and be able to deliver basic research insights cross functionally.

Nice To Haves

Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf stable meat products a plus (Sensory Scientist I).
Sensory M.S., Ph.D., or Sensory Certification is preferred (Sensory Scientist II).
Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf stable meat products preferred (Sensory Scientist II).
Sensory M.S., Ph.D., or Sensory Certification is preferred (Senior Sensory Scientist I).
Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf stable meat products required (Senior Sensory Scientist I).
Prior experience with some advanced methods such as Drivers of Liking, IHUTs, combination quant/qual preferred (Senior Sensory Scientist I).
Experience in sensory software such as SIMs or RedJade is a plus.

Responsibilities

Leads the Sensory learning agenda for both tactical and strategic initiatives; provides perspective on how projects impact the business long term
Leverages skills to effectively balance hybrid research approaches with existing knowledge and deep understanding of key sensory attributes to quickly deliver actionable guidance for R&D
Translates consumer expectations to aid in functional product development and assessment of new technologies
Interacts with cross functional teams, sharing key insights and offering advice on product-related challenges
Works through ambiguous situations with assistance from management and demonstrates agility in adjusting to evolving business needs
Develops & maintains strategic partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality and External Research Vendors
Champions the consumer product performance program and recommends action into strategic planning
Stays up to date on new research techniques through conferences, research materials and industry experts, applying methods new to Tyson, as appropriate, through a ‘test and learn’ approach with assistance from management