Sensory Research Scientist - Innovation
HersheyCareers

Job Title: Sensory Research Scientist - Innovation

Job Location: Hershey, PA

Summary:

The Research Scientist, Innovation, will work under the supervision of the Sr. Manager and as part of a team to support low complexity projects and assist with study design, field, analyze, interpret, and report sensory and consumer data that provides actionable guidance and business recommendations to cross-functional teams and key stakeholders. The successful candidate will have incoming knowledge of consumer and analytical sensory methods to lead research for product improvements in existing products, innovation, advanced food and upstream research initiatives and growth platforms. In addition to consumer testing, this role will lead and execute numerous internal product tastings and evaluations. They will also be responsible for maintaining a flavor trends database for use by the entire R&D community

The individual will interact extensively with Product Development, Commercial and Innovation Marketing, Consumer Insights, and Supply Chain peers (Quality and Regulatory Compliance, Operations Engineering, and Manufacturing Operations, etc.).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

Innovation Support: serve as a liaison to their assigned projects by partnering with brand teams, strategic growth platforms teams, and R&D partners working on upstream research. The role entails participating in recurring project meetings and working with fellow team members and cross-functional team members to define project objectives, identify appropriate type of sensory and/or consumer research needed, and designing test protocols (includes consumer, discrimination, and descriptive testing). Planning, execution, analysis, and interpretation of sensory/consumer tests, including working with external vendors; communication of results both verbally and in report/presentation format leading to sound recommendations and business decisions. Will partner with more senior sensory scientists on higher complexity projects and analyses.

Flavor Trends: consolidate flavor trends from external sources for quick access for more consumer driven decisions in R&D and product development.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform major duties/responsiblities:

• Demonstrated ability to independently lead projects. Includes research design, statistical analysis, and reporting studies to generate insights and business direction.
• Experience with statistical analysis and programming software (i.e. SAS, JMP, R, SPSS, StatsGraphics, Minitab, etc.) and advanced statistical techniques (conjoint, regression, correlation, factor and cluster analysis, principle component analysis, etc.).
• Proficient in the use of sensory data collection systems (i.e. EyeQuestion preferred, Compusense, SIMS).
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative consumer test methods to drive new product development and continuous improvement efforts (CLTs, HUTs, focus groups, ethnography, online surveys, etc.).
• Knowledge of sensory analytical methods (descriptive, discrimination).
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate across and within functions that represent diverse viewpoints.
• Leadership skills/behaviors: business acumen, conflict management, and excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint,Outlook).
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize with very limited supervision.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Education:

• B.S. or higher degree in Food Science, Psychology or Statistics with emphasis in Sensory and Consumer Research.
• A degree or certificate in Market Research is a plus.
  

Experience:

• Minimum of 1-3 years of applicable work experience with sensory and/or consumer testing (co-ops can be applied as relevant experience).

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

If you require a reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact the HR Service Center (askhr@hersheys.com).