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Sensory Science Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Intern

Mount Laurel, NJ · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

In pursuit of BS or MS in Civil Engineering/ Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or ... Sensory Requirements Minimal Moderate Accurate Not Applicable Depth perception X Hearing X ...

FL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Your Focus As an intern, you will work alongside experienced scientists and engineers to build ... Participate in tasting sessions and provide sensory feedback * Ensure compliance with lab safety ...

Intern

Mount Laurel, NJ · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

In pursuit of BS or MS in Civil Engineering/ Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or ... Sensory Requirements Minimal Moderate Accurate Not Applicable Depth perception X Hearing X ...

... or Intern based on skill sets. * Executes experimental, analytical, and sensory work on both bench ... PhD degree from an IFT accredited food science program, or equivalent combination of education and ...

Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical ... Sensory Requirements Minimal Moderate Accurate Not Applicable Depth perception X Hearing X ...

Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical ... Sensory Requirements Minimal Moderate Accurate Not Applicable Depth perception X Hearing X ...

Intern

Ceres, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Currently enrolled in university or obtained a Degree in Enology, Chemistry or other science ... Familiarity with sensory evaluation techniques PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Ability to lift up to 50 ...

... or Intern based on skill sets. * Executes experimental, analytical, and sensory work on both bench ... PhD degree from an IFT accredited food science program, or equivalent combination of education and ...

... related scientific disciplines. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: * Assist with routine laboratory testing of ... Participate in sensory evaluations and wine tastings to support quality assessment activities.

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Sensory Science Intern information

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$8

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How much do sensory science intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for sensory science intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Sensory Science Intern vs Sensory Analyst?

AspectSensory Science InternSensory Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in food science, psychology, or related fieldBachelor's degree in food science, psychology, or related field; some roles prefer experience
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in food or beverage companies' sensory labsFull-time role in sensory testing facilities, R&D departments, or product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in food, beverage, and consumer product industries for training and developmentCommonly employed in similar industries for sensory evaluation and data analysis

The main difference between a Sensory Science Intern and a Sensory Analyst lies in experience and responsibility. Interns are typically students or recent graduates gaining hands-on experience, while Sensory Analysts are full-time professionals conducting sensory evaluations and data analysis. Both roles are essential in the sensory science field, but they differ in scope and career stage.

What types of projects or tasks can a Sensory Science Intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Sensory Science Intern, you will typically support ongoing research and product development projects by organizing and conducting sensory tests, preparing product samples, and collecting and analyzing data from panelists. You may also assist with designing survey questionnaires, maintaining the sensory lab, and collaborating with cross-functional teams such as product development, quality assurance, and marketing. This hands-on experience helps interns develop technical skills in sensory evaluation methods and gain insight into how sensory data informs product improvement and innovation.

What does a Sensory Science Intern do?

A Sensory Science Intern assists in the design and execution of sensory tests to evaluate the taste, texture, aroma, and appearance of food or other consumer products. They help prepare samples, collect data from panelists, analyze results, and support the sensory team in research projects. This internship provides hands-on experience with sensory evaluation methods and data analysis, often within a food science or product development environment. The role is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in understanding consumer preferences and product quality.

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

To thrive as a Sensory Science Intern, you typically need a background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, along with basic knowledge of sensory evaluation methods. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (like SPSS or XLSTAT) and laboratory information management systems is often required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you gather and interpret data accurately and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These competencies are essential to ensure reliable sensory testing results and support product development in the food and beverage industry.
More about Sensory Science Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Sensory Science Intern jobs? Cities with the most Sensory Science Intern job openings:
What states have the most Sensory Science Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Sensory Science Intern jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sensory Science Intern jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sensory Science Intern jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sensory Science Intern job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Internship, 1% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Sr Research Scientist, Popcorn & Kid Snack

Sr Research Scientist, Popcorn & Kid Snack

The Hershey Company

Hershey, PA • On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


The Hershey Company rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 395 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Location: Hershey, PA
Summary:
The Senior Research Scientist, R&D - Popcorn & Kid Snacking (Flavor Development) leads the development of new seasoning systems and flavor innovations for the SkinnyPop, Pirate's Booty, LesserEvil and any new brands under Popcorn and Kid Snacking platform. This role drives projects from early-stage concepting through pilot testing, scale-up, and commercialization, ensuring that flavor profiles meet consumer expectations for taste, aroma, texture, and overall eating experience.
This position requires deep technical expertise in savory flavor systems, seasoning blends, and salty snack formulation. The Senior Research Scientist partners closely with Marketing, Consumer Insights, Sensory, Quality, Procurement, Engineering, and Operations to deliver innovation aligned with business strategy. The Senior Research Scientist also mentors junior team members and contributes to the long-term flavor platform roadmap.
The ideal candidate is a strong technical problem solver, a collaborative cross-functional partner, and a proactive innovator with a passion for shaping the future of flavor in salty snacks.
Responsibilities:
  • Flavor Innovation & Technical Leadership.
    • Lead formulation and development of new seasoning blends, flavor systems, and product concepts for SkinnyPop, Pirate's Booty, and LesserEvil.
    • Apply advanced understanding of flavor chemistry, ingredient interactions, processing effects, and delivery mechanisms to optimize taste and aroma.
    • Conduct hands-on benchtop work, prototype creation, seasoning blending, and feasibility testing.
    • Translate consumer insights and culinary trends into differentiated flavor solutions.
    • Own the technical strategy for flavor development
  • Sensory, Consumer Learning & Data-Driven Optimization
    • Partner with Sensory & Consumer Insights to design sensory tests, consumer validation, preference mapping, and flavor optimization plans.
    • Interpret sensory, analytical, and consumer data to refine formulations and guide decision-making.
    • Lead technical integration of sensory learnings into product design and development standards.
  • Process Scale up and Improvement
    • Support pilot plant trials and manufacturing scale-up for new seasoning systems and flavor launches.
    • Develop seasoning application parameters and troubleshoot issues related to adhesion, flavor intensity, stability, and batch-to-batch consistency.
  • Collaboration & Project Support
    • Serve as technical lead on cross-functional innovation teams, providing input on timeline, feasibility, risk, and resourcing.
    • Partner with Marketing on innovation briefs, claims feasibility, and strategic flavor direction.
    • Contribute technical recommendations that balance consumer delight, cost constraints, and operational feasibility.
    • Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and Quality to ensure robust technical transfer to production.

Minimum experience, skills, and education requirements:
Technical Skills
  • Knowledge of savory flavor chemistry, seasoning blends, carrier systems, ingredient functionality, and flavor delivery technologies.
  • Understanding of salty snack processing (nice to have) and its influence on flavor performance (e.g., popcorn, puffed/expanded snacks).
  • Strong skills in sensory analysis, consumer evaluation methods, data interpretation, and iterative product optimization.
  • Experience designing and running pilot-scale seasoning application trials.
  • Working knowledge of food safety, labeling, regulatory requirements, and quality systems.

Leadership & Collaboration
  • Proven ability to independently lead technical projects of moderate to high complexity.
  • Strong influencing skills with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Insights, Engineering, Quality, and Operations.
  • Excellent communication skills-able to translate technical detail for non-technical partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, matrixed environment.

Mindsets & Behaviors
  • Creative, curious, and motivated by developing breakthrough flavor experiences.
  • Strong analytical thinker with rigorous documentation and problem-solving skills.
  • Comfortable managing multiple parallel projects with shifting priorities.
  • Collaborative, proactive, and adaptable.
  • BS degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related field with 3-7 years' experience, MS in Food Science or related field with 2-4 years' experience. Intern and prior research project work will be considered
  • Ability to work in lab, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments.
  • Occasional travel (10-20%) to plants, suppliers, or pilot facilities.
  • Ability to lift materials and equipment (up to ~25 lbs) as needed for lab or pilot work.

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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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