Research Associate

Location: Hershey, PA Why Hershey: At The Hershey Company, our culture is rooted in purpose and inspired by Milton Hershey’s enduring vision that business should create opportunity for others. Through our commitment to corporate philanthropy, we create positive impact by supporting communities, helping children thrive, and operating as a business for good. This includes our deep and long standing partnership with Milton Hershey School, where we invest in education, workforce readiness, and hands on engagement to help students succeed beyond the classroom. Supported by strategic grantmaking, product donations, cross brand collaboration, and strong employee volunteerism, Hershey offers a place to work where making a difference—locally and globally is part of how we do business every day. About The Hershey Company The Hershey Company is an industry-leading snacks company known for making more moments of goodness through its iconic brands. With a strong portfolio across chocolate, confectionery, and salty snacks, Hershey delights consumers every day. Our beloved brands include Hershey’s, Reese’s, KitKat®, Dots Pretzels, Lesser Evil, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and more. At Hershey, we are committed to making a meaningful difference in the communities where we live, work, and do business. This commitment originated with our founder, Milton Hershey, and continues to shape who we are today. Guided by our employee value proposition, Lead Today. Create Tomorrow, we empower our people to drive impact now while shaping what comes next. Our One Hershey mindset brings teams together across functions, geographies, and businesses, enabling us to operate with speed, collaboration, and shared purpose. The Hershey Company is proud to be recognized as a top employer in the United States, reflecting our commitment to our people, culture, and purpose. How will you fit in the big picture? As the Part-Time Assoicate Research/Sensory Lab Technician, reporting to the Sr. Manager, Sensory Quality, this role supports sensory testing and product evaluation activities that contribute to product development, quality, innovation, and shelf-life initiatives across The Hershey Company. Working in both the Technical Center and 19 East Sensory Lab environments, this role is responsible for preparing and executing sensory testing, managing samples and laboratory operations, maintaining accurate records and inventories, and supporting employee and trained sensory panel programs. The incumbent applies established procedures and foundational technical knowledge to ensure testing is conducted accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with department standards. This position collaborates closely with sensory professionals, product development teams, and other cross-functional partners to support short- and medium-term project objectives while contributing to continuous improvement efforts. What will you do? Execute sensory testing and product evaluation activities that support product development, quality, innovation, and shelf-life projects. Responsibilities include sample preparation, ballot creation, scheduling, test execution, and accurate documentation of results while ensuring adherence to established sensory protocols and department procedures. Support product development and technical project progress by carrying out assigned technical activities using established methods and procedures. Capture observations, maintain data integrity, and communicate findings to support decision-making. Assist with development activities while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. Manage samples, inventory, and laboratory operations to ensure operational readiness. Responsibilities include sample receipt, storage, tracking, movement between temperature-controlled environments, shipping, and inventory management of testing supplies, reference products, and laboratory materials. Maintain sensory laboratories, storage areas, and equipment in accordance with department standards. Maintain technical documentation, testing records, schedules, specifications, and inventory tracking systems. Coordinate sensory panel and employee testing activities to ensure samples, materials, and resources are available and aligned with project timelines. Collaborate with sensory professionals, product development teams, laboratory operations, facilities, and other stakeholders to support efficient execution of sensory programs and project objectives. Communicate project status and requirements effectively, identify opportunities for process improvement, and recommend practical enhancements that increase efficiency, consistency, and overall effectiveness. Minimum Education & Requirements Experience Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); ability to learn sensory software applications. Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and changing environment. Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy. Basic problem-solving and decision-making capabilities. Ability to effectively interact with diverse groups and work both independently and collaboratively. Comfortable operating culinary and laboratory equipment. Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, climb step stools/ladders, and lift up to 50 pounds.Valid driver's license. Education High School Diploma or GED required. Minimum 1-2 years of laboratory experience, preferably within food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), food service, sensory, or related environments. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a science-related field preferred. ServSafe certification preferred. Benefits and Perks At Hershey, we offer competitive pay and a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and life outside of work. Health & Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs that support your physical and mental health Financial Security: Competitive pay, annual incentive opportunities, and a 401(k) with company match Time Off & Flexibility: Paid time off, company holidays, and flexible ways of working where applicable Growth & Development: Career development programs, learning opportunities, and internal mobility Benefits may vary based on role, location, and eligibility. The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans. You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability. You can request an accommodation via phone or email. To request an accommodation via phone, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io and leave a voicemail with your contact information. You may also email a request for accommodation to View email address on click.appcast.io. Please be sure to include “Accommodation Needed” in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request. #J-18808-Ljbffr