Sr. Sensory Scientist - Decatur, IL

Job Description

Sr. Sensory Scientist - Decatur, IL

This is a full time, exempt position.

Position Summary:

We are looking for a sensory professional with strong interpersonal and technical skills to join our sensory team. Primary responsibilities include building and refining the sensory insight capability, which supports all ADM divisions, by providing flawless sensory project design and execution, developing sensory insights that influence decision-making, and distributing findings through clear written and verbal communications. The ability to lead, design, and deliver sensory projects independently while working collaboratively with other sensory science team members, internal technical groups, and customers is critical for success.

Essential Functions:

• Consult with ADM scientists and business teams to determine appropriate sensory methods and execution for research questions.

• Create or modify sensory protocols according to experimental specifications.

• Interpret, synthesize, and analyze data using scientific/statistical techniques.

• Consolidate, interpret, and present data/conclusions/recommendations in both written and oral formats to ADM colleagues and ADM suppliers/customers.

• Maintain the Descriptive Analysis Panel including the selection, training, and calibration.

• Responsible for Consult with ADM sensory managers and technicians to understand project requirements and ensure accurate data collection.

• Develop and standardize lexicons and techniques used to describe ingredients and various food and beverage applications.

• Collaborate where appropriate and mentor other sensory scientists and technicians within ADM to standardize and deepen the sensory skillset.

• Provide Sensory training to ADM colleagues and ADM suppliers/customers.

• Maintain housekeeping and observe safety standards in the lab.

Qualifications:

• M.S. degree and 5+ years' experience in sensory or food science with related experience in sensory or consumer research working with project and/or business teams.

• Ability to design and run experiments including the selection of samples, testing procedures, and statistical methods.

• Experience in managing descriptive analysis panelists including the selection, training, and calibration.

• Understanding of Compusense, XLSTAT and R software for statistical analysis and data collection.

• Experience with advanced stats and artificial intelligence is a plus.

• Working knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Ability and willingness to evaluate food and beverage products daily.

• Ability to travel 10%.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to function independently while interacting with ADM management, facility management, and ADM contract employees.

• Prioritization of projects against available resources.

• Demonstrates a high level of accountability and self-direction.

• Troubleshooting and problem-solving in team environments.

• Effective writing and oral communication skills.

• Resolves conflicts effectively to encourage teamwork, without breaking cohesion and trust.

• Meticulous attention to detail.

• Maintain confidential and highly sensitive information.

Physical Factors:

• Ability to sit in meetings, at desk or stand in lab for long periods.

• Ability to use standard office equipment.

Excited about this role but don't meet every requirement listed? Studies show that often applicants will self-select out if they don't check every box. We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.