Sensory Scientist

Position Title: Sensory Scientist

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time ​

Position Location: New Delhi 

Requisition ID: 31302 

We are passionate about food. But we’re even more passionate about our People

About the role:

Hiring Sensory Scientist reporting to the Sensory UX Innovation Manager, Asia Pacific and South African (APACSA) and is based at HO (Gurugram).  

The Sensory Scientist at McCain plays a crucial role in guiding product development and innovation using sensory and consumer research. They provide direction and training on sensory aspects of McCain's products to various stakeholders, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and integrate sensory practices into the product development process.

The role is responsible for using and creating sensory consumer and analytical methods to guide product development, enable successful innovation launches, and guide renovation efforts. They design and lead testing plans, issue reports, and create actionable recommendations. They collaborate with R&D, Marketing, Consumer Insights, Operations, and other partners on new products, processes, quality improvements, and cost savings.

As part of the Global Sensory and User Experience team, the Sensory Scientist also works to expand McCain's global sensory capabilities, including optimizing and standardizing sensory tools, developing new or hybrid methods, developing new training materials, assessing and onboarding new vendors, identifying and closing gaps in sensory needs, and contributing to investigations regarding the linkage between sensory methods and instrumental test methods.

The position executes and reports sensory and consumer research studies. The Sensory Scientist builds and maintains strong relationships with vendors, supervises the application of best scientific practices, and manages test costs and timelines.

Ad hoc travel to regional plants and research venues (including Research Agency sites, Universities etc) may be required. 

About you

• Bachelor's degree in Sensory Science, Food Science, Statistics, Psychology, or related field, Master's degree with emphasis in Sensory Science preferred.
• Minimum 4 years of sensory and consumer research experience across a range of research techniques.
• Experience planning and executing sensory and/or consumer research in partnership with Research & Development and Consumer Insights is preferred.
• Fundamental understanding of applied statistical analysis, including design of experiments and multivariate analysis techniques.

Key Competencies:

General

• Exceptional interpersonal, collaboration, and influencing skills. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage resources and leverage existing data to effectively lead multiple projects.
• Ability to recognize, disseminate, and reconcile information into insights and trends that advance McCain’s ability to make better business decisions.
• Self-motivated, adapts easily to change.
• Scientific curiosity.
• Engaging individual that encourages the team’s experimentation mindset.

Technical

• Demonstrated track record of supporting the delivery of winning product innovations through providing sensory input that addresses customers’ needs.
• Depth of knowledge in all areas of sensory science.  This includes experience in the design and activation of analytical sensory techniques (eg Discrimination testing, Descriptive Analysis – Spectrum is a bonus) and quantitative and qualitative consumer research methodologies (eg Focus Groups, Ethnography, CLT’s, IHUTs etc).  Experience with Operator/Chef/Customer focused research is a bonus.  Experience in running internal panels and using tools such as QMA and other mapping approaches is also required.
• Experience in integrating these methodologies to provide required insights into the business and making recommendations to R&D and the cross functional team. 
• Experience in the front end of innovation is a bonus
• Knowledge of Food Chemistry/Biochemistry/Statistics desired.

Apply Now if you are looking to be part of a flourishing and energetic environment Join a recognized brand known throughout households across the globe

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We see value in ensuring we have a diverse, antiracist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable workplace.  As a global family-owned company we are proud to reflect the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that diversity drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. 
 
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
 
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