At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in the science, art, and innovation of color and flavor. We are market-savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we’ll be even better with you.
If you’re curious about how people experience food, flavor, and sensory characteristics, this role offers the opportunity to lead sensory research that directly supports meaningful business and product decisions. As a Sensory Scientist III, you will partner with Technical, Quality, Sales, and Marketing teams to deliver actionable sensory and consumer insights that help drive business results and uncover new opportunities.
This position is ideal for a sensory professional with strong scientific and statistical expertise who is comfortable independently designing, leading, and executing sensory and consumer research studies—and translating complex data into clear, actionable insights
What You’ll Do:
- Provide sensory expertise to Technical, Quality, Sales, and Marketing teams to support business objectives and product innovation.
- Design, plan, and execute sensory research studies; analyze and interpret results; and effectively communicate actionable insights and recommendations.
- Lead sensory training with cross-functional teams and external customers.
- Train and maintain a high-performing descriptive analysis panel.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the sensory laboratory, including sample preparation and panel setup, with support from the Sensory Technician.
- Lead bench cuttings and taste evaluations to select qualified finished products for sensory panels.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly work environment while following company safety procedures and general GLP practices.
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in science, food science, sensory science, or a related field, with ideally 7+ years of experience in sensory science and demonstrated experience independently leading sensory and consumer research.
- Strong expertise in discrimination testing, descriptive analysis, and consumer testing, with the ability to select and apply appropriate methodologies based on research and business objectives.
- Strong foundation in statistics and sensory data analysis, with the ability to translate complex sensory and consumer data into clear, meaningful, and actionable insights.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence cross-functional partners, technical teams, and customers.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt effectively in a fast-paced environment, while bringing a curious, collaborative, and solutions-oriented mindset.
- Willingness and ability to taste a wide range of food and flavor products as an essential part of the role, with a genuine interest in understanding how consumers experience food, flavor, and sensory characteristics.
What you will get:
- Meaningful ownership and hands-on experience leading sensory research from study design and execution through data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
- Broad exposure to sensory science and product innovation, including food, flavor, and color applications, with opportunities to explore emerging and advanced sensory methods.
- Cross-functional collaboration and professional growth through partnership with sensory professionals and teams across the organization in a laboratory environment where scientific rigor, accuracy, teamwork, and curiosity are valued.
- The opportunity to make a global impact by contributing to products, innovations, and experiences that reach consumers around the world.
About Sensient:
Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.
About Sensient Colors:
Sensient Colors is a leading developer, producer, and supplier of natural and synthetic color systems for customers around the globe. The Company's high-performance products play a vital role in the manufacture of foods and beverages, cosmetic and pharmaceutical colors and coatings, and colors for agricultural uses, household cleaners and paper products.
The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $115,000. Pay within the range is based on several factors, which may include, but are not limited to, education, work experience, specialized training, and labor market conditions. In addition to salary, Sensient is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families.
SPONSORSHIP: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment visa sponsorship.
THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.
Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
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Sensient Technologies Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA Office
5115 Sedge Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192, Hoffman Estates, United States, 60169
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