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Sensory Scientist III

Hoffman Estates, IL, US  
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Job ID 7169 Date posted 09/15/2026 Category Research and Development

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a global leader in colors, flavors, and extracts. Our R&D teams drive innovation by developing advanced systems, ingredients, and technologies that transform food, personal care, and pharmaceutical products. Join us to be part of a dynamic group shaping the future across a variety of teams, including:

Analytics Team: Lead flavor research and analysis using instrumentation like HPLC, GC, and GC-MS. Improve and develop lab workflows and methodologies. Mentor staff to ensure both technical excellence and financial success through collaborative efforts.

Flavor Creation Team: Develop innovative flavors across diverse market segments, including Beverage, Savory, and Sweet. Work closely with customers and our Applications Teams to deliver impactful, tailored solutions which drive growth and exceed market expectations.

Sensory Team: Design and execute sensory and consumer research to provide in-depth understanding of products and consumers for product development, optimization and maintenance. Conduct panels and apply statistical analysis to deliver actionable insights. Lead training of cross-functional teams and customers in flavor language.

Innovation Team: Utilize scientific expertise to develop cutting-edge ingredients, formulations, and technologies. Contribute to groundbreaking product advancements. Collaborate with a global network of Sensient scientists to shape our industry's future.

Applications Team: Partner with customers in labs and at their facilities to bring their product visions to life. Solve challenges, provide creative solutions to deliver innovative products which align with customer goals across various industries.

  • Job Type: Full Time
  • Job Level: Entry, Mid, Senior
  • Travel : Depends on Role

success profile

We are looking for team members who are:

  • Results-focused
  • Collaborative
  • Skilled communicators
  • Analytically rigorous
  • Detail-oriented
  • Intensely curious

Your journey

career path

This is a sample of the R&D Career paths at Sensient.

  • Lab Technician
  • Application Scientist (multiple levels)
  • Technical Service Manager (multiple levels)
  • Technical Director
  • Senior Technical Director or
  • Innovation Intern
  • Innovation Associate (multiple levels)
  • Innovation Scientist (multiple levels)
  • Innovations Manager

cultural points

The Sensient Six are the core values that drive us in our mission.

  • Entrepreneurial
  • Customer focused
  • Develop self and others
  • Collaborative
  • Results driven
  • Know your job
My job gives me the unique opportunity to develop products that I feel passionate about. Being part of an international team, with access to so much know-how and the most innovative technologies, encourages me every day to do my best and to drive innovation.
Lisa Innovation Manager, Germany

Sensory Scientist III

Hoffman Estates, IL, US  
Job ID 7169 Date posted September 14, 2026 Job Category Research and Development

Sensory Scientist III

At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in science, art and innovation of color and flavor. We are market-savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we will be better with you.

Position Summary:
If you are curious about how people experience food, flavor, and sensory characteristics, this role gives you the opportunity to lead sensory research that supports real business and product decisions. As a Sensory Scientist III, you will partner with Technical, Quality, Sales, and Marketing to deliver actionable sensory and consumer insights to enhance business results and opportunities.  This position is ideal for someone with strong sensory and statistical skills who is comfortable independently leading, designing, and conducting sensory and consumer studies.  

What you’ll do
•    Provide sensory expertise to Technical, Quality, Sales, and Marketing teams to support business objectives.   
•    Design, plan, and execute sensory research studies.  Analyze, interpret, and present report and effectively communicate actionable results. 
•    Lead sensory training with cross-functional teams and external customers.  
•    Train and maintain high performing descriptive analysis panel.
•    Manage day-to-day operations of the sensory lab including preparation of samples and setting up panels with support from sensory technician. 
•    Lead bench cuttings and taste evaluations in selecting qualified finished products for Sensory panels.
•    Maintains safe, clean and orderly work area following the company’s safety procedures and general GLP’s.

What you’ll bring
•    Bachelor’s degree or higher in science, food science, or a related field.
•    Minimum of 7 years of experience in sensory science.
•    Proficient in discrimination testing, descriptive analysis, and consumer testing.
•    Strong background in statistics and analysis of sensory and consumer data.  Skilled in effectively presenting complex sensory and consumer data. 
•    Ability to multi-task and work efficiently in fast-paced environment. 
•    Willingness and ability to taste a wide range of food and flavor products as part of the role.

What you’ll get
•    Hands-on experience leading sensory research from design, execution, and reporting results. 
•    Exposure to sensory science, product development, and food, flavor and color applications.
•    Opportunities to explore new and advanced sensory methods and collaborate with other sensory professionals and teams across the organization.
•    A professional laboratory environment where accuracy, teamwork, and curiosity are valued.
•    The opportunity to contribute to products and innovations that reach consumers around the world.

About Sensient:
Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.

About Sensient Colors: 
Sensient Colors is a leading developer, producer, and supplier of natural and synthetic color systems for customers around the globe. The Company's high-performance products play a vital role in the manufacture of foods and beverages, cosmetic and pharmaceutical colors and coatings, and colors for agricultural uses, household cleaners and paper products.

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $110,000.  Pay within the range is based on several factors, which may include, but are not limited to, education, work experience, specialized training, and labor market conditions.  In addition to salary, Sensient is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families.  

SPONSORSHP: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment visa sponsorship.

THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions.

Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

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