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Sensory Consumer Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in sensory science, panel management, and consumer research execution. You will play a key role in ensuring that consumer insights and sensory data are ...

This role will remain current with sensory, consumer science, and product research methodologies and continuously stay abreast of new developments in the field, actively implementing them within the ...

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in sensory science, panel management, and consumer research execution. You will play a key role in ensuring that consumer insights and sensory data are ...

$69K - $95K/yr

Sensory testing methods (Round Table, QDA, Discrimination, etc.) * Statistics to analyze data and ... Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Job Type Regular Consumer Science Science & Engineering

Head of Flavor & Sensory

Richmond, VA · On-site

$174K - $305K/yr

Bachelor's or master's degree in food science, Chemistry, Consumer Science, or a related technical field * 15+ years related experience in flavor, sensory, product development, consumer science or ...

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Sensory Consumer Science information

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$15.5K

$59.4K

$72.5K

How much do sensory consumer science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for sensory consumer science in the United States is $59,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $58,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sensory consumer science?

Sensory consumer science is a field that studies how people perceive and respond to products using their senses, such as taste, smell, touch, sight, and hearing. Professionals in this area design and conduct tests to evaluate consumer preferences, product quality, and sensory attributes. The insights gained help companies improve product development, marketing, and overall customer satisfaction by tailoring products to consumer needs and expectations.

How does a Sensory Consumer Scientist collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

In Sensory Consumer Science, professionals frequently work alongside product developers, marketing teams, and quality assurance specialists to ensure new products meet consumer preferences. They design and conduct sensory testing, interpret data, and communicate findings to inform product modifications. This collaboration helps align product attributes with market expectations and enhances overall consumer satisfaction. Strong teamwork and communication skills are integral, as sensory scientists must translate technical data into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sensory Consumer Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sensory Consumer Scientist, you need a solid background in sensory evaluation, data analysis, and experimental design, usually supported by a degree in food science, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS or XLSTAT), sensory testing methodologies, and data collection platforms is highly valuable. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams help set top performers apart. These skills ensure accurate interpretation of consumer insights, effective product development, and successful alignment with business objectives.

What is the difference between Sensory Consumer Science vs Sensory Scientist?

AspectSensory Consumer ScienceSensory Scientist
CredentialsDegree in Food Science, Psychology, or related field; often includes consumer research trainingDegree in Food Science, Sensory Science, or related field; often includes scientific research methods
Work EnvironmentFocuses on consumer testing, surveys, and preference studies, often involving panelists and consumersConducts controlled sensory evaluations, analytical testing, and scientific analysis in labs or test kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by food and beverage companies to understand consumer preferences and improve productsEmployed by research institutions, food companies, and sensory labs for scientific analysis and product development

While both roles involve sensory evaluation, Sensory Consumer Science emphasizes understanding consumer preferences through surveys and testing, whereas Sensory Scientists focus on scientific analysis and controlled sensory testing. Both roles are essential in product development and require relevant education, but their work environments and objectives differ.

More about Sensory Consumer Science jobs

What cities are hiring for Sensory Consumer Science jobs?

Cities with the most Sensory Consumer Science job openings:

What states have the most Sensory Consumer Science jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sensory Consumer Science jobs include:

Infographic showing various Sensory Consumer Science job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,404 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Sensory & Consumer Insights Analyst

SharkNinja

Needham, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


SharkNinja rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

From the company that brought you the Ninja CREAMi and Shark FlexStyle, SharkNinja is on a mission to redefine how consumers experience everyday products. We build breakthrough innovations by obsessing over the details of the consumer experience, from how a product performs, feels, sounds, looks, tastes and smells to whether it solves a meaningful problem in consumers' lives.

We're looking for a curious, technically grounded Sensory & Consumer Insights Analyst to join our Insights team and work across both Shark and Ninja. This hybrid role sits at the intersection of sensory science, consumer research and new product development, combining scientific rigor with consumer understanding to help teams create differentiated, 5 star product experiences.

What You'll Do

  • Own sensory science and product experience research across Shark and Ninja, independently designing and executing sensory studies including descriptive analysis, discrimination, preference, ranking and scaling; managing trained and semi trained panels; establishing sensory attributes and benchmarks; and leveraging sensory software such as Compusense, EyeQuestion, RedJade, FIZZ or similar platforms to analyze experiences including taste, texture, aroma, sound, tactile feel and ergonomics.
  • Design and execute qualitative and quantitative consumer research including product testing, IHUTs, surveys, focus groups and one on one interviews; independently developing research tools, analyzing consumer feedback and identifying the needs, behaviors and product experiences that drive preference, satisfaction and purchase.
  • Connect sensory science with the consumer voice to drive better product decisions, integrating objective sensory measurement, consumer perception and business context to identify what consumers notice, what matters most and what specifically needs to change; translating complex findings into clear recommendations for Product Development, Engineering, Culinary, Design and Marketing teams.

What We're Looking For

  • Strong technical foundation in sensory science, experimental design and sensory methodologies, with the ability to independently determine and execute the right approach for the business question.
  • Experience with sensory and consumer research software such as Compusense, EyeQuestion, RedJade, FIZZ, SIMS, XLSTAT or similar platforms, with working knowledge of statistical analysis.
  • Experience designing and executing consumer qualitative and quantitative research, with the ability to connect technical product measurements to consumer perception, preference and behavior.
  • Strong analytical and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex findings into simple, actionable product recommendations for technical and non technical audiences.
  • A hands on, curious and agile mindset, comfortable working directly with products and consumers in a fast paced development environment where priorities evolve quickly.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Sensory Science, Food Science, Consumer Science, Psychology, Behavioral Science, Statistics, Market Research or a related discipline.
  • 2 to 5 years of experience in Sensory Science, Sensory & Consumer Insights, Consumer Product Research, Product Experience Research or a related field.
  • Hands on experience independently designing and executing sensory studies is required.
  • Experience with CPG, food and beverage, appliances, beauty, personal care, household products or other consumer product industries preferred.
  • Experience conducting consumer research and moderating interviews, focus groups or other qualitative research strongly preferred.

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