Principal Scientist, R&D - Sensory Science

Location: Glenview R&D Center, Glenview, Illinois, United States

Salary: $104,200–$130,200 base salary annually, plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus.

Company

Global food and beverage manufacturer developing consumer packaged goods through research, product development, packaging, nutrition, analytical science, and culinary teams.

What you will do

• Lead comprehensive sensory research projects on new ingredients and technologies in product applications.
• Apply sensory methodologies, advanced experimental design, predictive modeling, and statistical analysis to guide innovation, renovation, and product development.
• Develop sensory capabilities, methodologies, best practices, standards, and training for R&D.
• Partner with Nutrition, Analytical Sciences, Product and Process Development, Packaging, Product Insights, Culinary, digital transformation, and data science teams.
• Translate sensory measurements and research findings into actionable product, packaging, process, and technical recommendations.
• Coach and mentor sensory support staff and junior team members while managing research suppliers and external partnerships.

Requirements

• Master of Science degree in Sensory Science required; PhD preferred.
• At least 7 years of sensory research experience with an MS, or 6 years with a PhD, in progressively responsible roles.
• Consumer packaged goods experience and expertise across descriptive analysis, panel moderation, discrimination testing, quantitative and qualitative consumer research, preference mapping, and design of experiments.
• Advanced knowledge of univariate and multivariate statistics and the ability to turn complex sensory data into clear technical recommendations.
• Strong consultation, influencing, communication, organization, prioritization, analytical problem-solving, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Experience in a cross-functional, matrixed environment and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Nice to have

• Experience with XLSTAT, SIMS, and RedJade Data Collection software.
• Experience identifying and qualifying emerging sensory research vendors.
• Engagement with industry professionals, standards bodies such as ASTM and SIMS, or academic institutions.

Culture & Benefits

• Healthcare coverage, including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans.
• Paid time off, company holidays, leave programs, flexible work arrangements, training, and recognition programs.
• Employee assistance, wellbeing, family support, and learning programs.
• Financial benefits including 401(k), life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, and disability coverage.
• Performance-based bonus eligibility and support for employees and eligible dependents.