SYNERGY FLAVORS
Sensory Scientist II
Job Description
The Sensory Scientist II position fills a key lead role within our growing R&D Sensory function and thus requires a self-starter that can manage diverse responsibilities. These responsibilities include execution of consensus style descriptive panels, developing and managing ongoing internal panelist training, preparation of samples, and data entry of panel results. The role requires primarily descriptive and panel management expertise and combined with leadership and communication acumen. Finally, this position supports a pioneer effort to our global continuous improvement with AI and machine learning systems. A successful candidate will have broad exposure to multiple other Synergy functions including Project Management, IT, Finance, external partners, and more. This candidate will also be responsible for supporting other continuous improvement initiatives along with assessing new and emerging technology.
Responsibilities
- Manage an internal consensus-style descriptive panel
- Develop and manage an internal panelist training program; providing retrainings at regular intervals to ensure quality panel data
- Routinely enters data from evaluations into our internal data storage system
- Engage in tastings to evaluate flavor performance in application
- Assist other sensory scientists on the training and moderation of a Spectrum descriptive panel; able to make recommendations on methodology when necessary
- Assist other scientists in the preparation of samples to be evaluated
- Effective project management including planning/assessment, analysis, recommendation and communication
- Sensory Software program experience; Compusense, EyeQuestion, Fizz, Red Jade, Sims, etc.
- Has thorough understanding of analytical work and can analyze and interpret sensory data using any of the following programs: R, SPSS, XLSTAT, SAS, Senpaq, etc.
- Able to solve complex problems; capable of collecting information from various sources both internal and external
- Proactively assesses the internal and external landscape for continuous improvement; making recommendations as seen fit
- Assist other sensory scientists on discrimination and hedonic projects
- Keeps the lab clean, and restock supplies when necessary
Requirements:
- MS (preferred)/BS in Food Science or other related sciences with a focus in Sensory Science
- 2-4 years research or post-degree experience in a sensory setting. Food and Beverage experience preferred
- Prior experience with Machine Learning and/or AI systems is a plus
- Ability to work accurately, quickly and with good laboratory practices
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities
- Excellent people skills particularly in the areas of conducting training sessions, panel moderation, and group coordination
- Candidate must possess good documentation skills and be adept at working within programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
- A positive attitude, a team player, engaging and able to communicate thoughts and ideas effectively
- Excellent communication skills
- Able to work cross functionally and make through lines proactively addressing departmental needs
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