Assoc. Sensory Scientist

DescriptionLactalis USA is currently seeking a talented individual to join our US R&D Sensory team. This role is onsite and will be based in Buffalo, NY.Lactalis, the world leader in dairy, is a family-owned business with more than 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals worldwide, committed to nurturing the future by providing healthy and delicious dairy products that bring people together every day. We offer an enviable range of dairy brands including Galbani, Prsident, Kraft Natural Cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Parmalat, Siggi s, and Stonyfield Organic in addition to several brands imported from our affiliates in Europe. At Lactalis, our core values of AMBITION, ENGAGEMENT, and SIMPLICITY are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to building a safe, diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace and we know that our candidates come from many different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. If you re excited about this role but your past experience doesn t align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we still encourage you to apply and share with us your STORY, your PASSION, and your EXPERTISE  You may be just the perfect candidate for this or other roles within our company.  From your PASSION to oursThe Associate Sensory Scientist is a functional role supporting and maintaining the Lactalis Passion for Taste program under the guidance of the Associate Sensory Manager. This position is responsible for assisting the execution of the sensory expert panels, implementation of trained factory panels and support the evaluation of business directed R&D sensory panels.From your EXPERTISE to oursKey responsibilities for this position include: Coordinate the Sensory Experts Panels on a weekly basis: prepare surveys and samples, set up room for tasting sessions and prepare technical reports using appropriate statistical methods using best practices.  Support training for various dairy category products with the Sensory Expert Panels and propose action plans to improve panel qualification of all sensory attributes.  Evaluate the Sensory Expert Panel performance periodically and assist the recruitment of new panelists as needed, following Lactalis Global guidelines. Prepare monthly technical report of pillar product performance to be submitted to Lactalis Global QA and internal Quality, Marketing, and R&D cross-teams. Maintain an updated database of the various tests of products as well as selection, training and performance evaluation of the Sensory Expert Panels, plus all other relevant information. Procure commercially available dairy products on a weekly basis for use by Sensory Expert Panels, functionality and application testing, and other tastings.  Provide panel attendance to account payable team for panelist compensation on a weekly basis and submit expense reports of sample purchase and other materials. Provide support to manufacturing plants to implement and maintain the Factory Sensory Panels, including training of Sensory Coordinators, creation of SOPs and the monthly report. Alert plant and corporate quality teams regarding negative trends in product performance results by both expert and factory trained panels.  Assist the Marketing Department during consumer test (60/40, Preference Mapping, etc.). Be part of the sample collection and validation through the Sensory Expert Panel prior to the test. Contribute to verify that the consumer test is done following best practices.  Support R&D and Marketing teams by providing technical guidance and sensory evaluation for special projects as needed. Support the culinary manager with product functionality evaluations and/or development of new recipes as needed. Work with Corporate Quality Director and R&D to organize Executive Leadership Team monthly product tasting sessions. Travel to manufacturing plants and headquarters office on a regular basis to provide support to Factory Sensory Panels and meet with Corporate Quality Director. Provide technical assistance as needed during investigation related to quality issues or other special projects. Travel and / or extended or off work hours may be required. This description reflects management s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and / or allowance(s) may be provided. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these Essential Duties.Requirements  From your STORY to oursQualified applicants will contribute the following:Education High School diploma or equivalent required;  Associate degree or higher preferred; or equivalent experience to include a minimum of five (5) years job related experience Ideally candidate must have Bachelor s Degree in Food Science or related field with education and experience in Sensory Evaluation, Dairy Technology and Statistics. Experience 2+ years related experience required Experience in Food Industry preferred Must have some experience with conducting sensory testing, setup and interpretation of results.Specialized Knowledge Strong knowledge and understanding of statistics Skills / Abilities / Specialized Knowledge Strong attention to detail and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Need to be able to work independently and in teams, with minimal direct supervision. Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints. Ability to operate in a transversal environment, across multiple departments. Ability to adapt in a changing work environment. Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.