Sensory Scientist

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At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, President specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow, Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis USA , part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Sensory Scientist based in Buffalo, New York. As a Sensory scientist, the role will carry out responsibilities such as coordinating and directing various Sensory activities including the Sensory Expert and Plant Trained Panels. This will include providing detailed statistics on panel results as well as contributing to the deployment of the Quality Product Process within the Lactalis American Group. Further, the scientist will be required to provide Monthly summary reports to the plants, Corporate QA and France QA.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Provide technical knowledge as it relates to sensory evaluation that is currently acceptable in the sensory field.
• Manage and oversee all aspects of the Sensory Expert Panels of various dairy categories:
• Procure commercially available products for tasting as needed
• Prepare samples for the expert panels
• Set up the room for tasting sessions
• Manage panel attendance for panelist compensation
• Analyze the results by following best practices and using appropriate statistical tools
• Maintain the Expert Panel performance and ensure proper training sessions as needed. Recruit new members as needed, following the proper selection process.
• Manage and oversee the deployment of Plant Trained Panels for Sensory Analysis within Lactalis manufacturing plants, including training of sensory coordinators, creation of SOPs, and monthly report.
• Alert plant and corporate quality teams regarding negative trends in product performance results by both expert and factory trained panels.
• Prepare monthly technical report of pillar product performance from plants trained and expert panel data to be submitted to Lactalis Global QA and internal Quality, Marketing, and R&D cross-teams.
• Maintain communications with Counterparts in France and Canada to exchange scientific advancements related to sensory testing, best practices, data analysis and reporting.
• Work with the Marketing Department during the consumer test (60/40, preference mapping, etc.). Be part of the sample evaluation and validation through the Expert Panel prior to the test. Contribute to verify that the consumer test is done under proper conditions. Provide a report from the Expert Panel results to validate and cross verify external results.
• Manage, control, and schedule the expert panel sessions to achieve the yearly objectives (Pillar Product monitoring, Star Product monitoring, training, R&D assistance, Marketing support).
• Maintain an updated database of all sensory tests as well as selection, training and performance evaluation of Expert Panels, plus all other relevant information.
• Work with members of the ELT (executive leadership team) to organize monthly sample tastings as well as analyze data provided during those activities as needed.
• Develop new sensory procedures that supplement what is currently in place and that are tailored to answer questions posed by R&D and Marketing as needed.
• Provide technical assistance as needed during investigation related to Quality.
• Work with Research and Development as well as Marketing teams and provide technical guidance and support as needed for special projects.
• Support the culinary manager with product functionality evaluations and/or development of new recipes as needed.

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

• Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• A major in Food Science is a plus

Experience

• 4+ years R&D or Food Science experience is required.
• Experience in Food Industry preferred
• Must have some experience with conducting sensory testing, setup and interpretation of results.

Certifications and specific knowledge

• Must have some knowledge of cheese and have a desire to learn and explore the various varieties, qualities, etc.
• Good knowledge of statistics and data analysis
• Good knowledge and sensory evaluation

Work Conditions

• Travel to manufacturing plants and headquarters office on a regular basis to provide support to Trained Sensory Panels and meet with Corporate Quality Director."
• Extended hours may be necessary depending on the project needs.
• 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 and responsibilities.
• This position requires physical presence in the office.
• Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment that promotes the health and well-being of all employees and that will further contribute to the Company's overall performance and success

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

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. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.