Are you looking for a fun and new opportunity? Do you love Sensory? The Krusteaz Company is looking to add an Associate Sensory Scientist to the team! The ideal Associate Sensory Scientist should be a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual. The position contributes to the success of our products by providing data-driven sensory support at all development stages. Support includes planning, preparing, and executing, internal sensory tests while collaborating with cross-functional teams in Quality, Operations, Marketing and Sales.

Essential Functions: Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

• Execute and lead internal sensory tests including bench tests, discrimination tests, and shelf-life testing program.
• Prepares samples and conducts sensory panels, ensuring proper protocol and procedures are followed.
• Collects sensory data and provides results using statistical tools and software.
• Maintains Shelf life and Discrimination databases ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
• Screens, trains, and re-trains new and existing employees to participate in the corporate Sensory program.
• Trains Sensory Technicians or Sensory interns when needed.
• Manages internal panel scheduling and panelist incentive program.
• Participate in product formulation tastings and provide sensory feedback to optimize products, select samples for further testing or narrow down alternatives.

Position Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals qualified with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Supports an environment that encourages teamwork and collaboration, both internally and externally.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, viewing the problem as a whole and working with others as needed to resolve it.
• Strong written and oral skills.
• Ability to evaluate and communicate project status and issues appropriately.
• Good understanding of Sensory methods and testing procedures.
• Willingness to support in a plant QA environment to train on Sensory methods.
• Understanding of basic food laboratory test methods.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer applications to access information and analyze data. Knowledge of Compusense, XLStat, Sims, Red Jade, or other Sensory software is a plus.
• High integrity and honesty.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Willingness and ability to travel 25%.

Education and/or Experience:

• A.A., B.S., or M.S in Food Science or related field or equivalent experience/training.
• 0 to 3 years sensory, consumer science or product development experience a plus.
• Sensory Training Certificate preferred.
• Basic statistics knowledge and experience is preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone along with reaching. Specific vision abilities include close vision requirements due to computer work. Moderate noise, ability to work in a confined area, and ability to sit at a computer for an extended period are also included.

The policy of The Krusteaz Company is to hire, train, and promote all persons in all job groups in accordance with law, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital or military status, national origin, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.

Get to know us:

• A people-focused company that cares​: We’re a 90-year-old company with the entrepreneurial spirit of a startup and a focused eye on the future. As a midsized, privately held company with a portfolio of beloved food and beverage brands, our people are the most important ingredient in our success.
• A valued and supported workforce​: We place tremendous value in our employees and provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits to ensure our employees can create the best life for themselves. Benefits include a top tier health insurance plan with lower-than-average employee cost share, generous PTO, 401(k) match, and more.
• An engaged and energized culture​: At The Krusteaz Company, collaboration and ingenuity drive our fierce commitment to creating extraordinary product experiences that people love.
• A place to grow and make a difference: An entrepreneurial spirit has been at the core of our company since the beginning, attracting self-starters who are curious and love to learn and to share ideas.

Benefits: We are proud to offer generous benefits including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance (starting at $50/month for employee only coverage on the PPO Plan or starting at $25/month for employee only coverage on the HDHP), 401(K) matching, 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10 paid holidays, company provided life insurance and disability insurance, flexible spending account, healthcare saving account, voluntary accident insurance, voluntary critical illness insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

Salary Information: An employee in this position can expect a salary range between $61,915 and $99,066. We typically pay out between $68,000 and $87,000. The actual salary offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including internal equity, experience, education, certification, training, and location. All positions are eligible for additional incentives based on business performance.

We hope you'll take the time to get to know us!