Senior Sensory Scientist

Conagra Brands is a leader among top brands in North America, and is committed to providing great food today’s consumers want.

Supervises business teams and work specifically with RQI, to provide consumer and sensory guidance to meet established business goals. Accountable for all elements of test execution, including design and administration of appropriate research methods, interpretation and reporting of data, and general consultation on strategic business issues.

• Develops and implements sensory and consumer research methodologies in support of product development.
• Leads development of new methodologies and application within research cycle.
• Organizes test execution including recommendation/selection of research vendors for specific studies and preparation of all necessary materials for each research study (screener, questionnaire, test plan and serving rotations, product preparation protocols, etc.).
• Evaluates data following study completion, working with statistics department to ensure timely and complete data analysis.
• Develops logical and actionable conclusions and recommendations through thorough understanding of the data.
• Clearly reports study findings and recommendations through written and verbal communications.
• Leads group initiatives to expand functional capabilities.
• Acts as internal sensory expert for RQI including training of cross-functional associates in sensory principles and techniques.
• Maintains internal Sensory Insights test database.

Position Requirements:

• BS in relevant fields, such as Food Science, Sensory Science, Experimental Psychology, Sociology required; MS preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in sensory evaluation or consumer research, preferably with a consumer packaged goods company.
• Great interpersonal skills with ability to communicate details (both written and verbal) for fact-based decision making.
• Understanding of Design of Experiments (DOE), key driver analysis, advanced statistics, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Established problem solving/influencing skills and the ability to function in a team-based environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multi-task.
• Great team building skills focusing on mentoring and coaching.
• Experienced in research/statistical analysis software applications (e.g., SAS, SPSS, etc.); actual experience using research/statistical analysis software preferred.
• Expert in MicroSoft Office Software.

Physical Requirements:

Incumbent must have the ability to effectively perform all of the following physical demands without assistance:

• May be required to participate in food tastings/ cuttings as necessary to design appropriate research.