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Sensory Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sensation Research

Sensory Panel Moderator

Mason, OH · On-site

Partners with scientists to develop specific panel methods including ballots, lexicons, protocols, panel training, data collection, and data quality review. * Deploys and uses sensory software (like ...

Danone

Manager, Sensory Design & Future Capability

Louisville, CO · Hybrid

$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 ...

Eurofins USA Food Testing

Sensory Panel Manager

Clark, NJ · On-site

  • 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 ...

Danone

Manager, Sensory Design & Future Capability

Louisville, CO · Hybrid

$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 ...

Eurofins

Sensory Panel Manager

Clark, NJ · On-site

$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 ...

The Hershey Company

Sr Research Scientist Sensory

Hershey, PA · On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The position requires expertise in sensory science, consumer research, statistics, and data visualization, with the ability to translate research findings into actionable business recommendations.

Hersheys

Sr Research Scientist Sensory

Hershey, PA · On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The position requires expertise in sensory science, consumer research, statistics, and data visualization, with the ability to translate research findings into actionable business recommendations.

Sensation Research

Trained Sensory Panelist

Mason, OH · On-site

$17/hr

Our team has extensive experience in guiding consumer product companies through sensory science and consumer research. Data from our research is used to drive product changes, enhancements, and ...

Eurofins

Sensory Trained Panelist

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$16.50/hr

Our sensory science program resides in our USA headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. The Sensory Trained Panelist plays a critical role in supporting sensory research projects by ensuring attendance to ...

Sensation Research

Trained Sensory Panelist

Mason, OH · On-site

$17/hr

Our team has extensive experience in guiding consumer product companies through sensory science and consumer research. Data from our research is used to drive product changes, enhancements, and ...

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Sensory Science information

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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.
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Sensory Science jobs near you
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.

Sensory Panel Moderator

Sensation Research

Mason, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Company: Sensation Research 
Sensation Research is a custom Sensory and Consumer research company. We specialize in Product Development guidance for foods, beverages, alcoholic beverages and spirits, pet care, OTC pharmaceuticals, skin care, personal care, household care, flavors and fragrances.  
We evaluate human perception of products using a full array of standardized and innovative qualitative & quantitative techniques including Descriptive Analysis, Discrimination Testing, Time Intensity and Consumer Testing.
Additionally, we create customized In-house Training Courses focused on Product Development guidance utilizing Sensory Science, Consumer Research and Statistics. Through experience and passion for our craft, we consistently exceed our client's expectations through attention to detail, thoughtful project planning, and insightful guidance with seamless execution.
Schedule: Part-time approximately 30-35 hours/week 
Primary Function
The Sensory Panel Leader manages trained panelists to evaluate the aroma, flavor, texture, and appearance of products, ensuring objective and consistent data collection. They recruit, train, and motivate panelists, design testing protocols, review the quality of final raw data, and understand how sensory findings are translated into actionable business insights for clients. The Panel Leader works collaboratively with the lab team to regularly recruit and train new panelists to ensure that panel numbers are at the required level. 
Position Summary
  • Trains panelists to detect and quantify product attributes. 
  • Maintains motivation and focus of the panel, mentoring them to reach high data quality performance levels. 
  • Partners with scientists to develop specific panel methods including ballots, lexicons, protocols, panel training, data collection, and data quality review. 
  • Deploys and uses sensory software (like RedJade) to guide the panel in delivering high quality sensory data.
  • When not working on client panels the moderator will help screen and train new panelists, run consumer tests, and other projects as identified by the Senior Scientist, Director or Owner. 
  • Panel Moderator assists in driving initiatives for continuous improvement of sensory practices across the organization. The Sensory Panel Leader will independently lead/manage/complete projects with minimal supervision but will be expected to ask for assistance from management or co-workers whenever needed. 
Primary Duties
  • Pre-screens products to develop panel lexicons, ballots, and evaluation protocols.
  • Finalizes ballot, lexicons, and protocols with the panel input while removing duplicate terms and clarifying confusable terms.
  • Leads Descriptive Analysis panels.
  • Manages panelist performance during panel to monitor ability of panel to deliver data.
  • Periodically retrains panel on specific products or attributes with statistical feedback to ensure a well-performing panel.
  • Interacts with client Sensory Team as needed for training or observational auditing purposes.
  • Reviews raw data to ensure panel data entry quality.
Supports Sensory Tests & Trainings
  • Assist Sensory Consultants with test creation in sensory programs and launches project sessions.
  • Assists with sensory training, sensory glossary development, and other sensory related activities as required.
  • Coordinates and conducts sensory panel recruitment activities with lab staff implementation and Sensory Consultants’ guidance (as needed).
 Qualifications and Skills
  • Bachelor’s degree with 2-5 years sensory panelist Spectrum Method experience as a panelist
  • Sensory Moderation with 1-2 years’ experience efficiently handling, without leading or biasing, of panel consensus and agreement, and effectively addressing disagreement of attribute definitions, product scores and panelist fatigue
  • Ability to identify attributes in products and key differences between products
  • Able to communicate verbally to give opinions and guidance on sensory attributes
  • Able to listen to panelists and to draw panelists into consensus 
  • Accurate and consistent panelist performance
  • Good communication skills
  • Able to learn to use RedJade or other Sensory software to review data and give feedback to panelists on performance.
  • Able to finalize data for project.
  • Understanding client objectives to collect meaningful product data.
  • Proactively communicating project status to lab leaders, Senior Sensory Scientist, Sensory Director and Owner.
  •  Experience driving initiatives to successful completion.
  •  Track record of working effectively in a team environment.
  •  Flexible work hours, as required by the business.
  •  A collaborative attitude, enjoys working with, learning from, and sharing knowledge with others.
  • Must be comfortable working with a wide variety of products including beverages, alcohol beverages, meat products, fried products, pet food, skin care products, etc.
  • Must be comfortable interacting professionally with a variety of people, including clients, consumers participating in studies, panelists, and other lab staff.
  • Must track hours worked by project in payroll system.