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Sensory Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hersheys

Sr Research Scientist Sensory

Hershey, PA · On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

Lead sensory research supporting innovation, product improvements, and margin enhancement initiatives. * Apply analytical sensory methods alongside consumer testing to meet project objectives.

Eurofins

Sensory Trained Panelist

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$16.50/hr

Company Description SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy . Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet, and ...

Minnesota Jobs

Sensory Trained Panelist

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$16.50/hr

Sensory Trained Panelist SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy. Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet ...

Perdue Farms

Sensory Technologist

Salisbury, MD

$60K - $90K/yr

Summary Drive product quality and innovation through hands-on sensory research and consumer insights. As a Sensory Technologist, you will support the sensory team within the R&D organization by ...

Eurofins Scientific

Sensory Trained Panelist

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$16.50/hr

Company Description SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy . Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet, and ...

Eurofins

Sensory Trained Panelist

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$16.50/hr

Company Description SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy . Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet, and ...

Perdue Farms

Sensory Technologist

Salisbury, MD · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Summary Drive product quality and innovation through hands-on sensory research and consumer insights. As a Sensory Technologist, you will support the sensory team within the R&D organization by ...

Perdue Farms

Sensory Technologist

Salisbury, MD

$60K - $90K/yr

Summary Drive product quality and innovation through hands-on sensory research and consumer insights. As a Sensory Technologist, you will support the sensory team within the R&D organization by ...

Sartori

Sensory Scientist III

Plymouth, WI · On-site

SUMMARY The Sensory Scientist III leads sensory research focused on ensuring the sensory quality, consistency, and shelf-life performance of all Sartori products. This role designs and executes ...

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Sensory Research information

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How much do sensory research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for sensory research in the United States is $22.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sensory research?

Sensory research is the scientific study of how people perceive and respond to various sensory stimuli, such as taste, smell, sight, touch, and hearing. In industries like food and beverage, cosmetics, and consumer products, sensory research helps companies understand consumer preferences and improve product quality. Sensory scientists use techniques like sensory panels, consumer testing, and statistical analysis to gather and interpret data. This research is essential for developing products that meet consumer expectations and stand out in the market.

How does a sensory research professional typically collaborate with product development teams?

Sensory research professionals play a key role in product development by designing and conducting tests to evaluate consumer perceptions of taste, texture, aroma, and other sensory attributes. They work closely with product developers, marketing teams, and quality assurance to interpret sensory data and provide actionable insights that guide formulation changes or new product launches. Regular meetings, joint sensory panels, and collaborative analysis sessions are common, ensuring that sensory feedback is integrated throughout the product lifecycle. This close teamwork helps ensure that products align with consumer preferences and meet quality standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in sensory research, and why are they important?

To excel in Sensory Research, a strong background in food science, psychology, or a related field, along with expertise in experimental design and data analysis, is essential. Familiarity with sensory evaluation software, statistical analysis tools, and laboratory protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and critical thinking skills help researchers interpret results and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure accurate, reliable sensory data collection and analysis, which are crucial for product development and consumer insights.

What is the difference between Sensory Research vs Sensory Evaluation Specialist?

AspectSensory ResearchSensory Evaluation Specialist
CredentialsDegree in food science, psychology, or related fields; certifications like SENSORY or QSTSimilar credentials; often holds certifications in sensory analysis
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development teams, academic settingsQuality control labs, product testing environments, consumer panels
Industry UsageUsed in food, beverage, cosmetics, and consumer product industries for researchPrimarily in food and beverage industries for product testing and quality assurance
Job FocusDesigning experiments, analyzing sensory data, developing new productsConducting sensory tests, evaluating product acceptability, ensuring consistency

While both roles involve sensory analysis, Sensory Research focuses on experimental design and data analysis for product development, whereas Sensory Evaluation Specialists primarily conduct sensory testing and quality assessments. Both roles are essential in product innovation and quality assurance within the industry.

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Sensory Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sensory Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,222 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Sr Research Scientist Sensory

Hersheys

Hershey, PA • On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Why Hershey:

At The Hershey Company, our culture is rooted in purpose and inspired by Milton Hershey's enduring vision that business should create opportunity for others. Through our commitment to corporate philanthropy, we create positive impact by supporting communities, helping children thrive, and operating as a business for good. This includes our deep and long standing partnership with Milton Hershey School, where we invest in education, workforce readiness, and hands on engagement to help students succeed beyond the classroom. Supported by strategic grantmaking, product donations, cross brand collaboration, and strong employee volunteerism, Hershey offers a place to work where making a difference-locally and globally-is part of how we do business every day.

About The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company is an industry-leading snacks company known for making more moments of goodness through its iconic brands. With a strong portfolio across chocolate, confectionery, and salty snacks, Hershey delights consumers every day. Our beloved brands include Hershey's, Reese's, KitKat, Dots Pretzels, Lesser Evil, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and more. 
 
At Hershey, we are committed to making a meaningful difference in the communities where we live, work, and do business. This commitment originated with our founder, Milton Hershey, and continues to shape who we are today.
Guided by our employee value proposition, **Lead Today. Create Tomorrow, **we empower our people to drive impact now while shaping what comes next. Our One Hershey mindset brings teams together across functions, geographies, and businesses, enabling us to operate with speed, collaboration, and shared purpose.
 
The Hershey Company is proud to be recognized as a top employer in the United States, reflecting our commitment to our people, culture, and purpose.
How will you fit in the big picture?

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Sensory Innovation and based at The Hershey Company Technical Center, this role leads multiple medium-complexity sensory and consumer research initiatives and supports more complex projects. The position requires expertise in sensory science, consumer research, statistics, and data visualization, with the ability to translate research findings into actionable business recommendations. Success in this role requires strong problem-solving, critical thinking, stakeholder influence, and effective communication across technical and non-technical audiences.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as the sensory research lead for assigned brands.
  • Design, execute, analyze, and communicate sensory and consumer research studies independently and collaboratively.
  • Lead sensory research supporting innovation, product improvements, and margin enhancement initiatives.
  • Apply analytical sensory methods alongside consumer testing to meet project objectives.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of new sensory and consumer research capabilities.

Key Partnerships

  • Product Development
  • Commercial & Innovation Marketing
  • Consumer Insights
  • Quality & Regulatory Compliance
  • Technology Development
  • External Research Suppliers

Travel

  • Up to 10% travel, primarily within the United States.
What will you do?
  • Proven success applying sensory and consumer research to support new product launches and product improvements.
  • Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative consumer research methods (e.g., CLTs, HUTs, focus groups, ethnography, online surveys).
  • Experience with analytical sensory methods, including descriptive and discrimination testing.
  • Expertise in research design, statistical analysis, and translating complex data into actionable business insights.
  • Experience with DOE, Drivers of Liking, product/process optimization, and category assessments.
  • Proficiency with statistical software such as JMP, R, SPSS, SAS, Minitab, or similar tools.Experience with sensory data collection systems, preferably EyeQuestion, Compusense, or RedJade.Curiosity and adaptability in applying emerging technologies, including AI-enabled analytics, text generation, and predictive modeling.
  • Strong collaboration, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership, business acumen, and conflict management capabilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with Copilot or similar AI tools is a plus.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently with minimal supervision.
Minimum Education & Requirements

MS in Food Science, Psychology, Statistics, or a related field with an emphasis in Sensory and Consumer Research and 2-4 years of relevant experience; or BS with 4-6 years of relevant experience.


A degree or certification in Market Research is a plus.

Benefits and Perks
At 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 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.  

You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability.
You can request an accommodation via phone or email.  

To request an accommodation via phone, please call +1 877-804-1794 and leave a voicemail with your contact information.  You may also email a request for accommodation to ApplicationHelp@hersheys.com. Please be sure to include "Accommodation Needed" in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.

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