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Sensory Science Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

... sensory testing โ€ข Monitor production adherence to R&D specs โ€ข Document testing processes and ... Minimum Requirements: โ€ข Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related ...

Product Development Scientist

Lakeville, MN ยท On-site

$59.70 - $74.60/hr

Ensure products achieve desired sensory and other consumer success criteria parameters. Design ... Food Science Foundation/Strong Technical Acumen. Ability to apply scientific principles to research ...

... sensory panel development and consumer screening tools. Key Accountabilities * Identify and use ... and junior scientists. * Independently handle complex issues with minimal supervision, while ...

... sensory panel development and consumer screening tools. Key Accountabilities * Identify and use ... and junior scientists. * Independently handle complex issues with minimal supervision, while ...

... sensory panel development and consumer screening tools. Key Accountabilities * Identify and use ... and junior scientists. * Independently handle complex issues with minimal supervision, while ...

Showing results 21-40

Sensory Science information

See Minnesota salary details

$11

$22

$32

How much do sensory science jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for sensory science in Minnesota is $22.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $27.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is sensory science?

Sensory science is the study of how people perceive and respond to products, primarily through the senses of taste, smell, sight, touch, and hearing. Sensory scientists design tests and experiments to evaluate products like food, beverages, cosmetics, and more, using trained panels or consumer groups. Their work helps companies improve product quality, understand consumer preferences, and develop new products that appeal to target audiences.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in sensory science, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Sensory Science often encounter challenges such as recruiting and maintaining diverse, reliable sensory panels, ensuring consistent testing conditions, and translating subjective sensory data into actionable product insights. To address these challenges, sensory scientists typically invest in thorough panelist training, implement rigorous quality control protocols, and collaborate closely with product development and marketing teams. Regular calibration sessions and clear communication across departments help ensure that sensory testing results are both scientifically valid and practically useful for guiding product decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sensory scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sensory Scientist, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with sensory evaluation methods, statistical analysis software (such as XLSTAT or Compusense), and experimental design is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills are critical for interpreting and presenting research findings. These skills ensure accurate data collection, reliable sensory insights, and meaningful product development recommendations.

What is the difference between Sensory Science vs Sensory Analyst?

AspectSensory ScienceSensory Analyst
CredentialsDegree in Food Science, Psychology, or related field; training in sensory evaluationSimilar educational background; specialized training in sensory testing methods
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, product development teams, sensory testing facilitiesLaboratory settings, sensory booths, product testing environments
Industry UsageUsed broadly in food, beverage, cosmetics, and consumer product industriesPrimarily in food and beverage sectors for product testing and quality control

Sensory Science encompasses the broader field of studying human responses to products, including research and development. Sensory Analysts focus specifically on conducting sensory tests and collecting data. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, Sensory Science involves designing studies and analyzing data, whereas Sensory Analysts execute testing procedures.

What degree do you need to be a sensory science?

A career in sensory science typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, psychology, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's or doctoral degree, along with skills in data analysis and sensory evaluation techniques.

What does a sensory science do?

A sensory scientist studies how people perceive and respond to different products through taste, smell, sight, touch, and sound. They design and conduct sensory tests, analyze data, and help improve product quality and consumer satisfaction using tools like sensory panels and statistical analysis. This role often requires knowledge of sensory evaluation methods and attention to detail.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sensory Science jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Sensory Science jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Sensory Science jobs in Minnesota?

For Sensory Science jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sensory Science job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,009 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Non-Exempt Temp/Casual: Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences

University of Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN โ€ข On-site

$15.25 - $85/hr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Apply for Job Job ID 374781
Location Twin Cities
Job Family Supplemental Employee
Full/Part Time Part-Time
Regular/Temporary Regular
Job Code 0005
Employee Class Civil Service
Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job
About the Job

The University of Minnesota, Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, has an occasional need for part-time, temporary or casual employees. This does not constitute a posting for vacancies, but establishes a pool of applicants should openings occur during the 2026-2027 academic year and Summer 2027. Applications will not be acknowledged upon receipt and will only be reviewed should openings occur.
Possible job duties may include, but are not limited to, transcribing speech from recorded sessions, attending lab meetings, research participant recruitment and data collection, data analysis, and supporting summer camp activities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • High school degree or equivalent


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated superior attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Self-directed person who takes initiative
  • Ability to work quickly and meet deadlines
  • Demonstrated excellent word processing and data entry skills

About the Department

The department offers internationally recognized programs in speech-language hearing sciences (BA, Ph.D.), speech-language pathology (M.A.), and audiology (Au.D.) that provide outstanding opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to pursue academic, educational, and clinical careers. The department hosts a Bilingual Multicultural Emphasis Certificate Program for graduate students in speech-language pathology and audiology. Faculty research and teaching are strongly supported at the unit and collegiate levels. Interdisciplinary collaborations abound across the university. Many faculty collaborate with university-wide centers, including the Center for Cognitive Sciences, the Center for Applied and Translational Sensory Sciences, The Masonic Institute on the Developing Brain, and the Center for Clinical Movement Disorders. The department also has ongoing collegial relationships with the departments of Psychology, Otolaryngology, and with the College of Education and Human Development. The department is strongly committed to community engagement and advancing an understanding of cultural and individual diversity in society (e.g., diversity related to age, ability/disability, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status). For further information about the department, please visit the department website, http://slhs.umn.edu/

About the College of Liberal Arts
Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.
CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA
Working in CLA

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $15.25 - $85.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.


Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Applications will be reviewed and considered as hiring needs occur. Information for qualified applicants will be kept on file. Any questions can be directed to Jessica McCarty, Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences Department Administrator: mccar687@umn.edu

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.