Senior Sensory Scientist

Balchem Corporation

. Serve as the primary technical resource for sensory science across the Human Nutrition & Health business .

Posted 10/1/2026full-timeBridgeton • Missouri • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in sensory science, including the design and execution of sensory evaluations, statistical analysis, and the development of training programs for sensory panels. Capable of translating business needs into actionable sensory protocols and recommendations while ensuring method consistency across various studies and locations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Sensory Methods ExpertiseStatistical Analysis ProficiencyPanelist Training and CalibrationSensory Science CommunicationCross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Descriptive AnalysisDiscrimination TestingConsumer TestingShelf-Life Study DesignApplied StatisticsData Analysis and InterpretationSensory Protocol DevelopmentMethod Consistency AssuranceProblem SolvingProduct Development Knowledge

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCollaborationWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationInfluencing Skills

Tools & Technologies

CompusenseMicrosoft OfficeSharePoint

Industry Keywords

Sensory ScienceFood ScienceQuality AssuranceR&DOperationsConsumer InsightsTraining DevelopmentSOPsBest-Practice DocumentationExternal Research Partnerships

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the primary technical resource for sensory science across the Human Nutrition & Health business
Build sensory science capability through development and delivery of training for R&D, Quality, and Operations personnel
Design sensory methods, prepare samples, execute sensory evaluations, and interpret and communicate results
Provide technical guidance to establish and achieve measurable sensory targets supporting product and business objectives
Lead and execute the complete sensory study cycle, including defining objectives, selecting methods, preparing samples, conducting studies, analyzing and interpreting data, maintaining records, and communicating conclusions and recommendations
Translate business, customer, and project questions into study designs, statistical approaches, decision criteria, and technically supported conclusions
Establish, train, and validate a network of internal Sensory Champions
Train Sensory Champions, develop and qualify panelists, and monitor panel performance
Ensure sensory methods are applied consistently across studies and locations
Manage partnerships with external sensory laboratories, universities, and other research partners
Develop and maintain sensory procedures, SOPs, study templates, training materials, and best-practice documentation
Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, Marketing, Product Management, external research partners, and customers on sensory-related issues
Provide sensory science support across laboratories, product platforms, manufacturing locations, and customer programs
Organize work, prioritize tasks, analyze problems, and identify opportunities supporting business priorities
Apply sensory science expertise and structured problem-solving to develop practical recommendations
Lead adoption of consistent sensory methods and capabilities across functions and locations
Participate in customer meetings and technical discussions as the sensory science expert
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or a related scientific field with 7+ years of relevant work experience, or a Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience in Sensory
Demonstrated expertise in sensory methods, including descriptive analysis, discrimination testing, consumer testing, panelist training, and shelf-life study design
Demonstrated ability to translate business and technical questions into appropriate sensory protocols, statistical approaches, decision criteria, and actionable recommendations
Experience developing, training, calibrating, and maintaining sensory panels, with the ability to ensure method consistency and panel reliability across studies and locations
Applied statistics expertise, including analysis and interpretation of sensory, consumer, shelf-life, and related product data
Working knowledge of product development, analytical testing, ingredient functionality, and chemistry
Experience working directly with customers, suppliers, or external technical partners
Strong interpersonal, collaboration, written and verbal communication, and influencing skills
Ability to gather, sort, analyze, and report data and make recommendations and conclusions
Ability to present data to employees from entry to executive level
Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems and deliver high-quality results
Ability to learn new categories quickly and provide appropriate guidance
Demonstrated ability to connect sensory and consumer insights to product development and business decisions
Proficiency with sensory and statistical software, including Compusense, and standard business applications such as Microsoft Office and SharePoint
Ability to travel as required to support HNH laboratories, manufacturing locations, customers, and external research partners

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary and benefits package
Equal Opportunity Employer
Workplace culture that values and promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunities
Work environment free of harassment and hostility