Sensory Scientist

Join Our Team as a Sensory Scientist

Our team members make it happen. If you want to continue to grow in a new role internally and see a position that looks right for you, we encourage you to apply!

Management Level: P3

Applying to this requisition will put you into consideration for either Sensory Scientist I, Sensory Scientist II, or Senior Sensory Scientist I. Level will be determined through the interview process.

Job Summary:

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.

Essential Duties and 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

Requirements:

Sensory Scientist I

Education and experience: 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. Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf stable meat products a plus.

Sensory Scientist II

Education and experience: 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. Sensory M.S., Ph.D., or Sensory Certification is preferred. Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf stable meat products preferred.

Senior Sensory Scientist I

Education and experience: 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. Sensory M.S., Ph.D., or Sensory Certification is preferred. Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf stable meat products required. Prior experience with some advanced methods such as Drivers of Liking, IHUTs, combination quant/qual preferred.

Special/Technical Skills:

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. Experience in sensory software such as SIMs or RedJade is a plus.

Communication Skills:

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.

Supervisory: None

Travel: Up to 15% travel

Work Shift: 1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

For Professional Management levels, internal applicants should either upload a resume to their application OR complete their application fully showing current and past work experience in the sections provided.

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.