Sensory Scientist

Job Title: Sensory Scientist

Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented Sensory Scientist to join our innovative team. In this role, you’ll lead sensory and consumer research projects, manage our Sensory Center, and play a key part in ensuring our products meet the highest standards for customers and consumers.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day sensory panel operations and scheduling at the Sensory Center, ensuring food safety and compliance.
• Design and execute sensory and consumer panel studies.
• Oversee descriptive analysis programs, including panelist recruitment and training.
• Analyze data and communicate results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain compliance with safety and regulatory standards (OSHA, FDA, USDA, etc.).
• Train and direct part-time team members on SOPs and sensory protocols.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or a related field (Master’s a plus).
• 5–7 years of sensory or consumer research experience, including panel leadership.
• Strong statistical analysis skills for sensory methodologies.
• ServeSafe Manager Certification preferred.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in food science, sensory, and food safety.
• Knowledge of lab documentation and chemistry, specifically food chemistry and lab equipment.
• No allergies, as the role involves taste testing of different products, including alcohol.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Deerfield, IL.

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Deerfield,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 26, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $36 - $40