PX Associate Researcher I

Job Summary Are you passionated for Sensory and Consumer Research analysis?

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.

Within our Taste business, we combine science, creativity, and consumer understanding to develop innovative flavor solutions that help our customers create products consumers love.

This role is based in South Brunswick or Union Beach, New Jersey and is an on-site position . Be part of a collaborative, customer-focused, innovative team where together we can make a meaningful impact through sensory and consumer research. Your potential is our inspiration.

Where You'll Make a Difference

• Manage and lead descriptive sensory and consumer panels, including recruitment, scheduling, vacation planning, attendance tracking, performance reviews, and ongoing panel development.
• Plan, organize, and oversee sensory panel activities to ensure efficient execution of multiple projects while aligning priorities and timelines.
• Lead descriptive sensory evaluations according to internally defined quality standards and support sensory methodology selection based on project objectives.
• Partner closely with Creation & Design (C&D) teams and PX Researchers to align testing objectives, review ballots, select samples, and provide project feedback.
• Ensure product and sample readiness by verifying quality, evaluating organoleptic characteristics, and coordinating delivery requirements, including serving conditions and testing protocols.
• Analyze sensory and discrimination test data, generate reports, maintain study documentation, and support descriptive project deliverables.
• Coordinate consumer research studies with external vendors and internal stakeholders, including recruitment, sample management, study execution, and data collection.
• Maintain sensory databases, panel performance records, and project documentation while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and standard operating procedures.
• Coach and coordinate the activities of the Panel Assistant while supporting knowledge sharing and sensory capability building across the organization.

What Makes You the Right Fit

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, or another related scientific discipline.
• One to three years of experience in a laboratory environment; sensory laboratory experience is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of sensory evaluation methodologies and sensory research principles.
• Experience working with sensory data collection platforms such as EyeQuestion, Compusense, or similar tools is an advantage.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
• Ability to work independently and manage assigned responsibilities with limited supervision.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and data quality.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to recruit, coach, and engage sensory panelists.
• Ability to travel between South Brunswick and Union Beach as business needs require (1 day per week)

How Would You Stand Out?

• Experience leading descriptive sensory panels or consumer research studies.
• Knowledge of sensory statistics and data interpretation methods.
• Bring curiosity, a love of learning, comfort navigating ambiguity, and a genuine passion for advancing best practices in sensory science.

Why Choose Us?

• Opportunity to work with industry-leading experts in sensory and consumer science.
• Exposure to innovative taste technologies and product development projects.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
• Hands-on experience across descriptive sensory and consumer research methodologies.
• Mileage reimbursement when traveling between South Brunswick and Union Beach locations for business needs.
• A chance to contribute to products that consumers experience every day around the world.

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more

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