Kerry · 3 weeks ago
Sensory Scientist/Panel Leader
Beloit, WI
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$76K/yr - $123K/yrKerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, seeking a Sensory Scientist/Panel Leader to lead a sensory panel and provide insights for business objectives. The role requires strong leadership and technical expertise in sensory science, with responsibilities including managing sensory testing and collaborating with stakeholders.
AgricultureFood and Beverage
No H1B
Hiring Manager
Ana Sanchez Chang
Responsibilities
Lead and manage a trained sensory panel of 8–16 individuals using the Spectrum Descriptive Analysis (SDA) method
Develop and implement project-specific training and calibration plans
Facilitate training, calibration, and testing sessions in compliance with SDA methodology
Define and maintain reference materials for all attributes of interest
Monitor and evaluate panel performance; address underperformance through retraining and recalibration
Maintain panel size through recruitment, screening, and fit-for-purpose assessments
Design and execute sensory testing using SDA, temporal, and discrimination methods
Analyze data using relevant sensory software and interpret panel performance metrics
Communicate findings to sensory leads and project stakeholders
Meet with stakeholders to understand business objectives and define sensory goals
Collaborate with sensory project leads to select appropriate methodologies and testing logistics
Coordinate with technicians and technologists to ensure timely preparation of test materials and references
Act as the sensory lead for an end-use market, maintaining a pipeline of internal and customer-facing projects
Design, organize, and execute sensory studies aligned with business objectives
Analyze and interpret test results, providing actionable insights and next steps
Stay current with sensory science developments and adopt new techniques to enhance capabilities
Qualification
Required
Expertise in sensory science, particularly descriptive analysis and SDA methodology
Strong leadership and team management skills
Proficiency in sensory data analysis tools and statistical interpretation
Excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
Ability to collaborate across functions including R&D, marketing, and business development
Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Food Science, Sensory Science, or a related field
Prior experience leading and managing sensory panels is essential
Occasional travel (approximately once a month) may be required for customer visits or panel-related activities
Preferred
Experience with Spectrum Descriptive Analysis is highly preferred
Familiarity with temporal and discrimination testing methods
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package
Incentive and recognition programs
Equity stock purchase
Retirement contribution
Company
Kerry
The most innovative portfolio of Taste & Nutrition technologies and Ingredients & Actives for the global food, and beverage industries.
Founded in 1972
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown2017-01-15IPO
Leadership Team
Gerry Behan
Global President and CEO
Alan Barrett
Chief Operating Officer Kerry Ingredients & Flavors - Asia Pacific
Recent News
Food & Drink Business
2025-10-27
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