Location: Hershey, PA (Onsite) How will you fit in the big picture?As a Sr Research Scientist, Sensory Innovation, you will serve as the sensory liaison to assigned brands, primarily supporting new product innovation. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Sensory Innovation, this role partners across Sensory & Product Insights, R&D and cross-functional teams to shape learning agendas, guide research strategies, and turn sensory and consumer data into clear, actionable recommendations.
What will you do?- Independently and collaboratively design, collect, analyze, interpret, and report sensory and consumer research, delivering actionable recommendations.
- Lead research primarily for innovation, while also supporting product improvements and margin enhancement initiatives for existing products.
- Apply analytical sensory methods strategically alongside consumer testing to ensure project objectives are met.
- Serve as a technical thought partner to cross-functional teams, helping shape learning agendas and research strategies.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of new or improved sensory and consumer research capabilities that expand the department's toolbox.
- Build effective partnerships with cross-functional teams and internal stakeholders.
Minimum Education & RequirementsEducation/Experience: At least 3 years of relevant experience. Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Food Science, Psychology, Statistics, or a related technical discipline with an emphasis in Sensory and Consumer Research
- Experience should include research design, advanced statistical analysis, and communication of complex findings.
- Proficiency with statistical analysis or programming software such as JMP, R, SPSS, SAS, Minitab, or similar is required.
- Experience with sensory data collection systems such as EyeQuestion, Compusense, or RedJade is preferred.
Benefits and PerksAt 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 anticipated base salary range for this role is $95,280 to $119,100 per year. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skill set, education, and training. In addition to a market-competitive base salary, our Total Rewards package includes performance-based incentives and a comprehensive, competitive benefits package designed to support overall physical, mental, and financial well-being (as applicable). Learn more about Hershey's benefits and all the resources Hershey provides to support our employees' physical, emotional, and financial well-being by visiting the Hershey Digital Employee Experience at www.askHRbenefits.hersheys.com
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