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Sensory Scientist 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 ...

Lactalis

Sensory Science Intern

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support sensory scientists in recruiting and training new sensory expert panelists as required. * Assist the sensory scientists in developing and maintaining the Lactalis Passion for Taste program.

Hershey Company

Sr Research Scientist Sensory

Hershey, PA · On-site

$95 - $140/hr

Sr Research Scientist Sensory Innovation Note: If you apply for a role at Hershey through our career's website, we may use technologies that use automation to filter your candidacy based on objective ...

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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.

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How much do sensory scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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.
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Sensory Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sensory Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,961 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Sensory Panel Moderator

Sensation Research

Mason, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 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.