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Sensory Scientist

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid Level
  • Research & Development

AI generated summary

  • You need a Bachelor’s in Sensory Science or related field, 4 years in sensory research, experience in planning studies, and knowledge of statistical analysis and experimental design.
  • You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize products, drive sensory testing, analyze data, communicate findings, and foster vendor relationships to enhance product quality.

Requirements

  • Minimum Bachelor's degree in Sensory Science, Food Science, Statistics, Psychology, or related field.
  • Minimum 4 years (2 years with Master's degree) in Sensory and consumer research experience across a range of research techniques.
  • Experience planning and executing sensory and/or consumer research
  • Fundamental understanding of applied statistical analysis, including design of experiments and multivariate analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

  • Partners with Consumer Insights, Product Development, ATI, Marketing, Packaging, Supply Chain, and other business and product teams to guide the optimization of innovation products, product improvements, and define product quality as designed.
  • Drives projects through appropriate product and packaging consumer and sensory learning plans from early guidance (as needed) to optimization to confirmatory testing, inclusive of building foundational product knowledge, protecting product quality, and enhancing consumer understanding.
  • Facilitates consumer/operator interactions to grow consumer/operator empathy.
  • Courageously champions product design and product quality as the sensory representative on the Research & Development and business teams.
  • Further strengthens best sensory practices within the Research & Development teams and provoke a sensory mindset.
  • Applies design of experiments to sensory and consumer testing.
  • Translates data to insights through synthesis of qualitative consumer learning and interpretation of statistical analyses of quantitative sensory and consumer testing.
  • Communicates recommendations and key findings in a relevant and easy to understand manner and guide business teams to next steps in the product development process.
  • Develops and fosters strong relationships with key sensory and consumer testing vendors to ensure flawless execution of tests and appropriate pricing.
  • Is a core team member of cross-functional project teams.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Sensory Scientist at McCain Foods?

The primary responsibility of the Sensory Scientist is to apply sensory and consumer research best practices and methodologies to provide guidance and insights to regional and local Product Development teams throughout the stage gate process.

What qualifications are required for the Sensory Scientist position?

A minimum Bachelor's degree in Sensory Science, Food Science, Statistics, Psychology, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of 4 years of sensory and consumer research experience (or 2 years with a Master’s degree).

What types of projects will the Sensory Scientist be involved in?

The Sensory Scientist will be involved in optimizing innovation products, product improvements, and defining product quality by guiding the development of consumer and sensory learning plans, among other projects.

How does the Sensory Scientist collaborate with other teams?

The Sensory Scientist partners with cross-functional teams such as R&D, Marketing, Consumer Insights, and Operations to integrate sensory best practices and testing throughout the product development process.

Are there opportunities for training and development within the role?

Yes, the Sensory Scientist will work closely with their manager and team to develop new training materials and expand McCain’s global sensory capabilities.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, the Sensory Scientist should be willing and able to travel approximately 20% of the time as needed.

What key competencies are important for the Sensory Scientist role?

Key competencies include exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, depth of knowledge in sensory science, and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively.

What type of work environment does McCain Foods offer?

McCain Foods fosters a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, recognizing that diversity drives creativity, resilience, and success.

What is the company's stance on accessibility?

McCain Foods is an accessible employer and provides accommodations throughout the recruitment process to meet individual needs.

How does the Sensory Scientist contribute to decision-making at McCain Foods?

The Sensory Scientist executes and reports sensory and consumer research studies, providing insights and actionable recommendations that facilitate data-based decision-making.

Celebrating real connections through delicious, planet-friendly food

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Mission & Purpose

At McCain Foods we know the importance that food plays in people's lives - the power it has to uplift and bring people, families, businesses and communities together. Guided by our purpose - Celebrating real connections through delicious, planet-friendly food - we believe that working together with our teams, business and community partners will bring sustainable growth and positive change - today, tomorrow and for generations to come. As a privately owned family company with over 65 years of experience, a presence in over 160 countries and a global team of 20,000+ people, our values and culture are at the heart of everything we do. Our product quality, people and customer dedication help us achieve global sales in excess of CDN $11 billion. Through our investment and innovation, we continue to be a global leader in prepared potato products, including our famous French Fries and appetizers. We are passionate about supporting and developing our people-providing opportunities to grow and learn in their roles, as well as building careers for the long term.