What are the responsibilities and job description for the Food Sensory Scientist position at Griffith Foods?
Summary: Lead sensory testing in support of Product Category and Segment Strategies, as well as Griffith Performance Excellence and Innovation initiatives. Design appropriate sensory tests to support decision making and drive business opportunities.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Design and execute appropriate sensory tests to support business & project objectives.
- Analyze and interpret results of analytical sensory tests to provide meaningful recommendations.
- Participate as Sensory Science representative on project teams and collaborate to provide meaningful sensory insights.
- Develop and lead sensory trainings for descriptive and discrimination panels.
- Proactively recruit new panelists to participate in sensory panels & monitor panelist performance.
- Oversee panelist participation tracking and maintenance of accurate records.
- Maintain documentation of established sensory protocols and training materials.
- Design shelf-life study plans and direct testing at appropriate time points to determine product storage recommendations.
- Share protocols and collaborate across North American Sensory Team.
- Support research and trial of new sensory methods.
- Support sensory mapping for select product categories.
- No food allergies or restrictions and willing to participate in frequent product evaluations.
- Attend conferences and courses to learn new approaches to sensory testing.
- Execute new projects/activities according to potential changes in priorities to support the key initiatives of Griffith Foods.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in scientific field with 3-5 years’ experience in Sensory Science role.
- Strong knowledge of sensory analysis techniques and statistical methods.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to collaborate in a team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Detail oriented and strong organizational skills.
- No food allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Ability and willingness to taste and smell a variety of food products.
- Position may require you to lift to 15 pounds.
- Demonstrated ability to lead sensory panels and sensory training.
- Strong knowledge and experience in designing sensory tests and planning test protocols.
- Strong knowledge and experience in discrimination testing and descriptive analysis design, data analysis and technical reporting.
- Experience in consumer testing is a plus.
- Knowledge of technical tools that support sensory testing such as Compusense, RedJade, etc.
- Ability to work onsite 5 days a week as projects require (average 3 days on site).
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
