Sensory Scientist - Panel Leader

Bell Flavors & Fragrances is seeking a Sensory Scientist, Panel Leader to manage the daily operations of Bell’s Consumer Science Sensory Center. This role will lead and develop the descriptive sensory panel and oversee select flavor and fragrance research projects designed to address customer and consumer needs. The Sensory Scientist, Panel Leader will ensure sensory studies are scientifically sound, statistically valid, and effectively translated into meaningful insights that support product development and business objectives.

Your Responsibilities: 

• Lead Bell’s Descriptive Analysis Program, including panelist recruitment and training, lexicon development, data collection and reporting, panel performance and sensory acuity monitoring, remedial training, and ongoing panel communication and scheduling.
• Manage day-to-day operations of Bell’s Consumer Science Sensory Center, including scheduling, food safety SOP compliance and training, food receiving, storage, preparation, handling and serving, and maintaining a clean, sanitary, organized environment.
• Lead sensory research for select flavor and fragrance projects, including defining research objectives, designing studies, analyzing and interpreting data, preparing reports, communicating findings to internal and external customers, and managing project timelines.
• Execute internal sensory and consumer research studies in partnership with project leaders, including scheduling, Compusense programming and utilization, sample coordination and coding, sample preparation and portioning, serving, and post-study clean-up.
• Support the development and validation of sensory methodologies and evaluation protocols for new and evolving sensory research techniques.
• Manage external research suppliers, as needed, including project scoping, proposal review, timelines, budgets, quality expectations, fieldwork oversight, and evaluation of final deliverables.
• Create, organize, and maintain sensory research documentation and records, including SOPs, study reports, datasets, panel records, and other paper and electronic files.
• Taste and smell a variety of food, flavor, and fragrance samples as required to support sensory research and evaluation activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Your Qualifications/Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Consumer Science, Psychology, Biology, Physiology, Statistics, or a related field. A Master’s degree in Sensory Science or a related discipline is preferred.
• 5–7 years of experience in sensory science and/or consumer research, including demonstrated experience leading and managing a trained descriptive sensory panel. Flavor and/or fragrance industry experience is preferred.
• Strong understanding of sensory research methodologies and statistical analysis, including Descriptive Analysis, Discrimination Testing, and product-focused consumer research.
• Demonstrated ability to design sensory studies, analyze and interpret data, and translate results into actionable insights for technical and business stakeholders.
• Experience developing and maintaining facility and operational SOPs, including training team members on established procedures.
• ServSafe Manager Certification required, or ability to obtain certification within an established timeframe.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and sensory/data collection software. Experience with Compusense is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated sensory acuity with the ability to identify, articulate, and discriminate among a variety of flavor and aroma stimuli.
• Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) applicable to kitchen, laboratory, and sensory testing environments.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to manage multiple studies and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate research findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Self-motivated with strong interpersonal and collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Must be able to comply with the Sensory Center’s fragrance- and odor-control requirements when participating in sensory evaluations.

Why Join Bell:

• Collaborative with cross-functional experts and contribute to consumer insights in an innovative environment
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on product quality
• Comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities
• Competitive salary range $42,500 - $85,000

Ready to make a difference in the world of flavors and fragrances? Apply today!