Research Scientist R&D Sensory Innovation

Location: Hershey, PA

Summary:

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Sensory Innovation and working at The Hershey Company's Technical Center, the Research Scientist assists on high complexity initiatives, leading workstreams within larger initiatives, and/or leading low complexity initiatives with support. Complexity of a workstream can be increased through technical complexity, manufacturing complexity, speed to market, quantity of projects and cross-functional support. For the Sensory professional, complexity is driven by the learning plan and types of applied research methods (examples of complex studies includes Drivers of Liking, consumer-based specifications, large DOE studies, a combination of multiple methods or multiple waves of research). A successful candidate is learning how to demonstrate and apply technical knowledge and expertise (sensory & consumer research, statistics and data visualization). Ability to develop and share technical expertise within functional area and cross functionally within the organization, strong problem-solving skills & the ability to think critically is important to role. The successful candidate is learning to communicate technical subject matter cross functionally and with management. This candidate is learning how to influence cross functional team members and how to build personal networks.

Specific Role Focus Area:

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• Serve as the sensory liaison in support of innovation across assigned brands and product platforms.
• Work independently and as a part of a team to design, collect, analyze, interpret, and report sensory and consumer data to provide actionable guidance and business recommendations to cross-functional teams and key stakeholders.
• Leverage knowledge of consumer and analytical sensory methods to lead research primarily for innovation but will lead projects on product improvements and margin enhancements to existing products.
• Apply analytical sensory methods as needed to complement testing required to meet project objectives.

This role will interact and partner with:

• Product Development
• Commercial and Innovation Marketing
• Consumer Insights
• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Quality and Regulatory Compliance
• Technology Development
• External Research Suppliers

Up to 10% travel required, primarily within the US.

Major Responsibilities:

Business Support

• Serve as a liaison to their assigned brand teams R&D partners.
• The role entails participating in recurring project meetings and working with cross-functional team members to define project objectives, identify appropriate type of sensory and/or consumer research needed, and designing test protocols (includes consumer, discrimination, and descriptive testing).
• Planning, execution, analysis, and interpretation of sensory/consumer tests, including working with external vendors; communication of results both verbally and in report/presentation format leading to sound recommendations and business decisions. Will partner with more senior sensory scientists on higher complexity projects and analyses.

Capability Building (methods & talent)

• Recurring Sensory team meetings to gain and maintain alignment on methods and best practices, administrative meetings, etc.

Minimum Knowledge/Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to lead projects. Includes research design, statistical analysis, and reporting studies to generate insights and business direction.
• Experience with statistical analysis and programming software (i.e. SAS, JMP, R, SPSS, Statgraphics, Minitab, etc.) and advanced statistical techniques (conjoint, regression, correlation, factor and cluster analysis, principle component analysis, etc.).
• Proficient in the use of sensory data collection systems (i.e. EyeQuestion preferred, Compusense, SIMS)
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative consumer test methods to drive new product development and continuous improvement efforts (CLTs, HUTs, focus groups, ethnography, online surveys, etc.).
• Knowledge and application of sensory analytical methods (descriptive, discrimination).
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate across and within functions that represent diverse viewpoints.
• Leadership skills/behaviors: business acumen, conflict management, and excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize with very limited supervision.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• BS in Food Science, Psychology, or Statistics with an emphasis in Sensory and Consumer Research
• A degree or certification in Market Research is a plus

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