SummaryShape the future of product innovation through consumer insights and sensory excellence. As a Sensory Scientist, you will serve as a key connection between Research & Development and Marketing, delivering meaningful sensory guidance that supports business growth and product success. You will partner with cross-functional teams to design and execute sensory and consumer research that drives product optimization, innovation, and strategic decision-making. From customizing research methodologies to analyzing data and presenting actionable insights, you will play an important role in helping bring high quality, consumer-focused products to market. Working closely with the Sensory Manager, this role is ideal for a collaborative, detail-oriented professional who thrives on combining science, consumer understanding, and innovation in a dynamic environment.
This position is located onsite at our Innovation Center in Salisbury, MD.
The salary range for this position is $68,000 - $102,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).
In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.
Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities- Design sensory methodologies to support product optimization and innovation.
- Coordinate test execution and manage preparation of resources, maintaining clear communication with sensory technicians.
- Analyze data and provide feedback to team members in Product Development, Marketing, Foodservice, and Market Research. Report findings and recommending next steps.
- Coordinate and manage internal and external testing schedules.
- Maintain internal and external consumer databases.
- Lead process development for continuous improvement in sensory, including support for all R&D categories, shelf-life programs, and quality control/assurance sensory programs at manufacturing facilities.
- Assist in developing standardized practices, protocols, and processes to align sensory across the organization.
Minimum Education and Experience- Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Nutrition, or related discipline.
- 2-4 years of work experience; or in the absence of a bachelor's degree, 5+ years of total experience.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to communicate details verbally and in writing.
- Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Excellent team player with a positive attitude and ability to partner across teams to provide insights.
Preferred Education and Experience- Master's degree.
- Sensory experience.
- Knowledge of JMP, Compusense, and/or XLSTAT.
- Strong statistics and sensory methodology knowledge.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors- Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional movement between offices or buildings.
- May move light equipment or supplies.
- May access files, supplies, and equipment.
- Work activity occurs in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.
#LI-AR2
