Sensory Scientist

COMPANY DESCRIPTIONAt Beyond Meat, we started with simple questions. Why do you need an animal to create meat? Why can’t you build meat directly from plants? Thus, we make plant-based meats that allow families to eat more, not less, of the traditional dishes they love while feeling great about the health, sustainability, and animal welfare benefits of plant protein. Our goal is to bring exciting change to the plate—and Beyond.OVERVIEWBeyond Meat is rapidly expanding the sensory department in our new headquarters in El Segundo, California! The Sensory Scientist will be responsible for assisting in the managing and continued buildout of the sensory program and applying sensory science principles to support product development. Successful applicants will be self-motivated, creative, resourceful, adaptable, team- and results-oriented. The Sensory Scientist will work with cross-functional teams in a highly matrixed organization to support the creation of best-in-class plant-based foods.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Play an active role within the Innovation Team and serve as a subject matter expert and integrate best sensory practices, test design and execution
• Responsibilities include: (1) scheduling and conducting sensory tests, (2) planning and supporting consumer studies, (3) developing custom tests and implementing state-of-the-art sensory concepts, (4) supporting panelist and team training, and (5) analyzing data and reporting to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal and external groups to plan and execute on projects in a dynamic and fast-paced environment; support stage gate process
• Integrate sensory descriptive data with consumer data and make sound recommendations; moderate consumer co-design groups
• Conduct product concept testing and monitor consumer trends to inform product development
• Explore and implement new research methodologies; work to continuously improve the efficiency and value of the sensory program
• Work with large data sets, apply statistical techniques and use statistical analysis programs to make informed and justifiable decisions; prior experience with sensory databasing is a plus
• Assist in presentation of products to key stakeholders and VIPs
• Conduct experimental studies to prove-out sensory-backed hypothesis, including planning and conducting shelf-life studies
• Provide guidance and direction to research technicians and assist in training of colleagues in sensory science
• Document and report sensory results, including management and upkeep of databases of sensory information
• Maintain excellent work standards while operating in a fast-moving environment
• Support the Innovation team in all aspects of product development and company goals

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s or PhD in Sensory, Consumer Science, Food Science, Psychology, Behavioral Science, or related field; Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) is preferred
• 5 years of experience with a CPG, Ingredient, Flavor, or Research Supplier with demonstrated track record of increasing responsibility and meaningful business impact
• Specialized Knowledge: Knowledge and experience with sensory test design, sensory software, statistical analysis, panel moderation, consumer studies, and food product development.
• Record of innovation and impactful sensory studies in food development
• Working knowledge of sensory data collection software (e.g. Compusense®, RedJade®) and statistical analysis tools (e.g. SPSS,XL-STAT, JMP).
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office. Experience in databasing is a plus.
• Willingness to travel up to 15%.
• Willingness to taste food and beverages across product categories, including regular tasting and analysis of food product prototypes
• Strong knowledge and extensive experience in both sensory (descriptive & discriminative) and consumer (qualitative & quantitative, multivariate analysis) research. Panel moderating experience is a plus.
• Ideal candidate will have a technical background in science and food product development, capable of conducting or recommending independent studies based on sensory findings
• Excellent communicator, capable of collaborating effectively with internal and external teams in cross-functional settings and preparing impactful reports
• Excellent time management, analytical, problem-solving and creative-thinking skills
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision.
• Ability to build and partner with external research agencies on test design, execution and delivery of results.
• Stays ahead of new and emerging testing methods; connection with academia and sensory associations.
• Good knowledge and experience in statistics and design of experiment
• Problem solving skills. Creative thinker.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal & written) skills
• Business acumen and a philosophy of “Going-Beyond” to get the job done

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge and experience with sensory test design, sensory software, statistical analysis, panel moderation, consumer studies, and food product development

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• May require lifting items up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent sitting at a desk and laboratory work

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Depending on the role, the work setting involves an office, lab, warehouse, kitchen, and production areas
• 10% travel

Beyond Meat is an equal employment opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, gender identify, sexual orientation, national origin, liability for military service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you are interested in learning the status of your application, please note you will be contacted directly by the appropriate human resources contact person if you are selected for further consideration. Beyond Meat reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.Please note that Beyond Meat has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees. All U.S. employees who (a) physically enter a Beyond Meat facility in the United States, (b) represent Beyond Meat at work-related events, including but not limited to trade shows and product demonstrations, or (c) physically enter customer or potential customer sites in connection with their work for Beyond Meat must take all necessary steps to be Fully Vaccinated as a condition of employment, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved.