Senior Sensory Scientist

Job Details: The Senior Sensory Scientist I has responsibility leading the sensory learning agenda for specific initiatives within brands/categories. At Tyson, our Sensory leaders are strategic business partners. From front end exploration of sensory cues to robust validation, you’ll play a critical role in designing and launching winning innovative products. As a champion of our Consumer Product Performance Program, you’ll ensure our flagship products maintain the quality expectations of our long time consumers. You’ll be challenged to identify new methods and approaches to drive continuous improvement and elevate the sensory function. Your work, in collaboration with R&D, Marketing and Consumer Insights, will influence important business decisions across the businesses you support. Location: Springdale, Arkansas (Greater NWA) ***Relocation support may be provided for those candidates that qualify based on the Tyson Relocation Policy. What you’ll do - Lead sensory learning agenda for both strategic & tactical initiatives; giving your perspective on how projects might impact the business long term - Leverage your experience to effectively balance hybrid research approaches with existing knowledge and deep understanding of key sensory attributes to quickly deliver actionable guidance for R&D - Translate consumer expectations to aid in functional product development and assessment of new technologies - Interact with the leadership team, sharing key insights and offering advice on product-related challenges - Work through ambiguous situations with assistance from manager, and demonstrate agility in adjusting to evolving business needs - Develop & maintain strategic partnerships with Product Development, Consumer Insights, Marketing, Culinary, Packaging, Quality and External Research Vendors - Learn and grow, as you stretch yourself to identify opportunities and drive continuous improvement to evolve the sensory function and your personal development - Effectively manage the sensory budget; address and prioritize immediate and forward-looking strategic needs with manager support - Champion the consumer product quality program, and recommend action into strategic planning - Stay up-to-date on new research techniques through conferences, research materials and industry experts; apply methods new to Tyson, as appropriate, through a ‘test and learn’ approach - Motivate, engage and empower junior team members through training and mentoring Education & Work Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology or related field; M.S., Ph.D. or Sensory Certification is preferred. Proficient in food or meat science. Industry experience with B.S. (6+ yrs.); M.S. (4+ yrs.); Ph.D. (2+ yrs.). Supervisory & Travel: This role does not have direct reports. Experience managing and/or mentoring junior team members a plus. Travel up to 25%. Skills Needed: Food Science / Sensory Science / Advanced data analysis (design of experiments, category appraisals) / Qualitative research / Quantitative research / New Methods Development / Microsoft Office / Project Management / Budget Management / Leadership / Independence / Strategic Agility / Holistic Thinking / Influence / Collaboration / Analytical Thinking / Risk Assessment / Prioritization / Troubleshooting / Mentoring All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes. Relocation Assistance Eligible: Yes Work Shift: 1ST SHIFT (United States of America) Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended. Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment. The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status. We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more. If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here. Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.