Sensory Scientist
9 days ago
East Brunswick
Job Title: Sensory ScientistJob Description As a Sensory Scientist, you will evaluate products using specified sensory methods to determine their acceptability. You will manage, prepare, and administer structured customer-specific sensory programs, collaborate with the Creative team to communicate results, and recommend process improvements. Your role will also involve leading research efforts supporting the Quality and Creative groups, maintaining retain and Gold Standard libraries, and conducting sensory evaluations of raw materials and intermediate/finished flavors. Additionally, you will perform analytical testing as needed and communicate with customers regarding shelf life and re-certifications. Providing technical assistance both internally and externally is a key component of this role. Responsibilities Evaluate products using specified sensory methods and determine acceptability. Manage, prepare, and administer structured customer-specific sensory programs. Communicate results and collaborate with the Creative team. Recommend process improvements and lead research efforts supporting Quality and Creative groups. Maintain retain and Gold Standard libraries. Conduct sensory evaluation of raw materials and intermediate/finished flavors. Perform analytical testing as needed. Communicate with customers regarding shelf life and re-certifications. Provide technical assistance internally and externally. Essential Skills Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Sensory, or a related STEM field. 2-5+ years of experience in flavor/fragrance small scale compounding/lab experience. Experience in sensory testing. Knowledge of food science, sensory testing, quality control, and consumer products. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in a flavor house is a plus. Familiarity with XL Stat, hedonic, qualitative vs quantitative analysis, and discrimination testing is nice to have. Work Environment You will work in a lab environment with a team of five other members. The standard working hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 AM to 6 PM. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science and creativity, impacting global customers by developing flavors, fragrances, and ingredient solutions used by many of the world's leading consumer brands. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including R&D, sensory, and commercial teams, is a key part of the work culture. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of East Brunswick, NJ. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $60000.00 - $65000.00/yr. 401(k) / retirement plan (often with match) (comparably.com), (glassdoor.com) Performance bonuses / incentive plans (comparably.com) Tuition reimbursement / career development support (comparably.com), (glassdoor.com) Strong for long-term financial growth + career progression Health & Wellness Medical, dental, and vision insurance (careers.usnews.com), (glassdoor.com) Life and disability insurance (glassdoor.com) Mental health support / employee assistance programs (careers.usnews.com), (glassdoor.com) Comprehensive coverage across physical + mental health Family & Lifestyle Benefits 16 weeks fully paid parental leave (global standard) (iff.com) Adoption assistance + family medical leave (glassdoor.com) Childcare and caregiving support (varies by location) (careers.usnews.com) Above-average parental leave is a strong differentiator Time Off & Flexibility Paid time off (vacation + holidays + sick days) (glassdoor.com) Flexible work arrangements / hybrid options (role dependent) (careers.usnews.com) Work-from-home options in some roles (builtin.com) Good for work-life balance, especially in corporate/R&D roles Career Growth & Development Job training and professional development programs (glassdoor.com) Global mobility and exposure to international teams (glassdoor.co.in) Employee resource groups & internal career pathway Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in East Brunswick,NJ. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.