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Sensory Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Sensory Scientist

Grand Prairie, TX

$87K - $119K/yr

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree in food science/technology or a similar field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in sensory science as a core element of the role. Experience in the ...

Master's degree in Food Science or Sensory Science required; PhD preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degrees. * 5+ years of experience in sensory and consumer ...

Master's degree in Food Science or Sensory Science required; PhD preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degrees. * 5+ years of experience in sensory and consumer ...

Senior Sensory Scientist

Grand Prairie, TX

$86K - $118K/yr

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEBachelor?s degree in food science/technology or a similar field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in sensory science as a core element of the role. Experience in the application ...

Senior Sensory Manager - Americas

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee one or more Sensory teams, managing high-impact scientific projects, supporting professional development and ensuring testing excellence across the Country Cluster. * Develop innovative ...

Senior Sensory Manager - Americas

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Oversee one or more Sensory teams, managing high-impact scientific projects, supporting professional development and ensuring testing excellence across the Country Cluster. * Develop innovative ...

Manager, Sensory Design & Future Capability

Louisville, CO · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Master's degree required (PhD preferred) in Sensory Science, Consumer Science, Food Science, Market Research, Psychology, or a related field. * 8+ years of experience in consumer research and/or ...

Sensory Panel Manager

Clark, NJ

$115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Best in class Join our very diverse team of sensory scientists, food technologists, statisticians, psychologists, sociologists, strategic thinkers, marketeers, field managers, technicians and other ...

Showing results 21-40

Sensory Science information

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$12

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$33

How much do sensory science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for sensory science in the United States is $22.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 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.
More about Sensory Science jobs

What cities are hiring for Sensory Science jobs?

Cities with the most Sensory Science job openings:

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

The most popular types of Sensory Science jobs are:

What states have the most Sensory Science jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Sensory Science job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,976 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Director, Data Analytics - Sensory Science & Merchandise Experience

Sam's Club

Gravette, AR • On-site

$110K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Sam's Club rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 2,016 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Position Summary...Role summary:
As the Director of Sensory Science & Merchandise Experience, you will lead the strategy, operations, and evolution of sensory science across Sam's Club. Supporting every merchandise category, you'll build the capabilities, processes, and team that ensure Member feedback drives product quality, innovation, and business decisions.
This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for shaping the future of sensory science. You'll lead a team of sensory scientists and analysts while expanding national testing capabilities, scaling in-club sensory experiences, and modernizing how Sam's Club evaluates products.
About the team:
The Member’s Mark Consumer & Sensory Insights team integrates member feedback into product decisions through sensory-led experiences such as in-home tests and immersive events. By combining quantitative and qualitative data, the team delivers clear, actionable insights that guide product development and optimization. Collaborating closely with product teams and suppliers, the group emphasizes high-quality engagement and co-creation. Their mission is to ensure Member’s Mark products reflect authentic user experiences, resulting in offerings that genuinely meet customer needs and expectations. What you'll do...
  • Lead the vision, strategy, and roadmap for Sensory Science, building scalable capabilities that improve speed, quality, and business impact. 
  • Develop and coach a high-performing team while establishing scientific standards, operational excellence, and a culture of innovation. 
  • Oversee end-to-end sensory operations, including methodologies, supplier partnerships, resource planning, and national testing programs. 
  • Advance the use of AI and emerging technologies to modernize research. 
  • Serve as the strategic sensory leader for Merchandising, Product Development, Quality, Packaging, and Consumer Insights, translating scientific findings into actionable recommendations that improve products and elevate the Member experience.

What you'll bring...
  • Expertise in sensory science and consumer product evaluation, with experience leading cross-category sensory programs and scientific teams. 
  • Proven ability to build scalable capabilities, influence business decisions through insights, and manage complex research operations, supplier partnerships, and organizational change. 
  • Strong executive presence, operational excellence, and a passion for advancing research through innovation and AI. 
  • Advanced degree preferred with 8+ years of progressive leadership in sensory science, consumer research, CPG, retail, or product innovation.

Success in This Role
  • Build a best-in-class sensory organization that accelerates innovation, develops talent, expands testing capabilities, and elevates Member experiences across every merchandise category.

At Sam's Club, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet!
-Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage
-Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance
-Paid time off benefits include PTO, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.
For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.
- Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
Live Better U is a company paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $220,000.00
Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.
Additional compensation for certain positions may also include Regional Pay Zone (RPZ) (based on location).
At Sam's Club, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet!
-Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage
-Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance
-Paid time off benefits include PTO, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.
For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.
- Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
Live Better U is a company paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $220,000.00
Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.
Additional compensation for certain positions may also include Regional Pay Zone (RPZ) (based on location). At Sam's Club, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet!
-Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage
-Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance
-Paid time off benefits include PTO, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.
For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.
- Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
Live Better U is a company paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $220,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include Regional Pay Zone (RPZ) (based on location).

‎ 

Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Option 1: Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Arts, Finance or related field and 5 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field. Option 2: Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 3 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field. Option 3: 7 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field. 2 years' supervisory experience. Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Data science, data analysis, statistics, or related field, PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Information Technology, Operations Research, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics, Related industry experience (for example, retail, merchandising, healthcare, eCommerce), Successful completion of assessments in data analysis and Business Intelligence tools and scripting languages (for example, SQL, Python, Spark, Scala, R, Power BI, or Tableau), Supervisory experience Primary Location... 2101 Se Simple Savings Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712-4304, United States of America Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

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