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Sensory Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Sensory Scientist role leads the sensory learning agenda for specific initiatives within brands/categories. At Tyson Foods, our Sensory leaders are strategic business partners. From front end ...

The Sensory Scientist role leads the sensory learning agenda for specific initiatives within brands/categories. At Tyson Foods, our Sensory leaders are strategic business partners. From front end ...

The Sensory Scientist role leads the sensory learning agenda for specific initiatives within brands/categories. At Tyson Foods, our Sensory leaders are strategic business partners. From front end ...

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 ...

Senior Sensory Scientist

Grand Prairie, TX

$87K - $119K/yr

The Sensory Scientists manage resources to support the business strategies related to the Stage Gate Process in which Sensory Evaluation plays a role. Leads the descriptive panel and provides value ...

Senior Sensory Scientist

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

The Sensory Scientists manage resources to support the business strategies related to the Stage Gate Process in which Sensory Evaluation plays a role. Leads the descriptive panel and provides value ...

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 ...

Purpose Statement Rich Products is looking for a Principal Sensory Scientist to join our Global Innovation Center of Excellence (COE), as part of the Research, Innovation, and Compliance (RIC ...

Senior Sensory Scientist

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

The Sensory Scientists manage resources to support the business strategies related to the Stage Gate Process in which Sensory Evaluation plays a role. Leads the descriptive panel and provides value ...

sensory scientist sr

Seattle, WA · On-site

$104K - $142K/yr

Sensory Scientist Sr will drive complex, cross-functional sensory research projects, leading multiple efforts simultaneously, often globally distributed teams. Will work autonomously and ...

The Associate Sensory Scientist is a functional role supporting and maintaining the Lactalis Passion for Taste program under the guidance of the Associate Sensory Manager. This position is ...

The Associate Sensory Scientist is a functional role supporting and maintaining the Lactalis Passion for Taste program under the guidance of the Associate Sensory Manager. This position is ...

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Sensory Scientist information

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How much do sensory scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for sensory scientist in the United States is $90,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sensory scientist do?

A Sensory Scientist studies how people perceive food, beverages, cosmetics, or other consumer products using their senses—taste, smell, touch, sight, and hearing. They design and conduct sensory tests, analyze data, and help companies improve product quality and consumer appeal. Their work often involves collaboration with product developers, marketers, and quality control teams to ensure products meet customer expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sensory scientist?

To thrive as a Sensory Scientist, you need a solid background in food science, chemistry, statistics, and sensory evaluation, often supported by a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification. Familiarity with sensory analysis software, data collection tools, and potentially certifications like ASTM sensory evaluation methods are highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate results clearly are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are important for designing robust experiments, accurately interpreting complex data, and effectively guiding product development based on consumer insights.

What does a typical workday look like for a sensory scientist?

A typical day for a Sensory Scientist often involves designing sensory tests, coordinating panel sessions, analyzing data from consumer or trained panels, and collaborating with product development teams. You may spend part of your time in sensory labs preparing samples, and part of it analyzing data or reporting findings to colleagues in marketing, R&D, or quality assurance. The role is both hands-on and analytical and often requires cross-functional teamwork to translate sensory insights into practical recommendations for product improvements. Work environments tend to be dynamic, with opportunities to contribute directly to the creation and refinement of consumer products.

How do you become a sensory scientist?

To become a sensory scientist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, psychology, or a related field, with advanced roles often requiring a master's or Ph.D. in sensory science or a related discipline. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in sensory evaluation methods, and understanding statistical analysis are important, and certifications in sensory analysis can enhance job prospects.

What cities are hiring for Sensory Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Sensory Scientist job openings:

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

The most popular types of Sensory Scientist jobs are:

What states have the most Sensory Scientist jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Sensory Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,961 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Sensory Scientist

Springdale, AR • On-site


Tyson Foods, Inc.
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 554 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

297th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Respectful managers

Uninterrupted breaks


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Details:
Applying to this requisition will put you into considering for either Sensory Scientist I, Sensory Scientist II, or Senior Sensory Scientist I. Level will be determined through the interview process.
Job Summary:
The Sensory Scientist role leads the sensory learning agenda for specific initiatives within brands/categories. At Tyson Foods, our Sensory leaders are strategic business partners. From front end exploration of sensory cues to robust validation, the Sensory Scientist plays a critical role in designing and launching winning innovative products. As a champion of our Consumer Product Performance Program, the Sensory Scientist ensures that our flagship products maintain the quality expectations of our long-time consumers while being challenged to identify new methods and approaches to drive continuous improvement and elevate the sensory function. In collaboration with R&D, Marketing and Consumer Insights, the Sensory Scientist influences important business decisions across all business units supported.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Leads the Sensory learning agenda for both tactical and strategic initiatives; provides perspective on how projects impact the business long term
• Leverages skills to effectively balance hybrid research approaches with existing knowledge and deep understanding of key sensory attributes to quickly deliver actionable guidance for R&D
• Translates consumer expectations to aid in functional product development and assessment of new technologies
• Interacts with cross functional teams, sharing key insights and offering advice on product-related challenges
• Works through ambiguous situations with assistance from management and demonstrates agility in adjusting to evolving business needs
• Develops & maintains strategic partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality and External Research Vendors
• Champions the consumer product performance program and recommends action into strategic planning
• Stays up to date on new research techniques through conferences, research materials and industry experts, applying methods new to Tyson, as appropriate, through a 'test and learn' approach with assistance from management
Requirements:
Sensory Scientist I
Education and experience:2+ years experience required with a Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study; No experience required with a Ph.D. or M.S.; 8+ years of relevant and practical experience is required with no degree. Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf stable meat products a plus.
Sensory Scientist II
Education and experience: 4+ years experience required with a Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study; 2+ years of relevant work with a M.S; No practical work experience required with a Ph.D.; 8+ years of relevant and practical experience is required without an applicable degree. Sensory M.S., Ph.D., or Sensory Certification is preferred. Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf stable meat products preferred.
Senior Sensory Scientist I
Education and experience: 6+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Bachelor's degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or a related field of study; 4+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Master's degree; 2+ years of relevant and practical work experience required with a Ph.D.; 12+ years of relevant and practical work experience if required without an applicable degree. Sensory M.S., Ph.D., or Sensory Certification is preferred. Experience with food products such as frozen, refrigerated, and shelf stable meat products required. Prior experience with some advanced methods such as Drivers of Liking, IHUTs, combination quant/qual preferred.
Special/Technical Skills:
Strong critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills. Time Management and results oriented is critical. Experience in applying core sensory data analysis (DI tests, ANOVA, t-tests, etc.) is required. Strong ability to analyze and interpret data and provide clear recommendations on basic internal and external guidance and validation studies. Demonstrated understanding of design of experiments and category appraisal methodologies., etc.).
Must have extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly in Excel, including advanced functions, pivot tables, and data visualization tools like Power BI. Experience in sensory software such as SIMs or RedJade is a plus.
Communication Skills:
Must be able to foster a collaborative and positive team environment, demonstrating clear and open communication with colleagues. Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills as well as strong presentation skills and be able to deliver basic research insights cross functionally.
Supervisory:
None
Travel:
Up to 15% travel
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
Yes
Work Shift:
1ST SHIFT (United States of America)
Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.
Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.
The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.
If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here
Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.


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