sensory analyst, Research & Development – Seattle WA

Job Summary and Mission

This job contributes to Starbucks success by obtaining accurate product and consumer testing data and providing recommendations that ensure optimized product acceptance and on-going product quality. The job scope covers all aspects of sensory science, experimental design, quality evaluator sensory training, and shelf life from a product focused perspective. Models and acts in accordance with Starbucks guidance principles.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Execute project specific requests from start to finish that include but not limited to:
  • Organization of all test and ensure personnel resources are available to execute a test
  • Efficiently execute an internal test in a scientific manor
  • Organize and conduct Shelf life testing
  • Able to learn variety of new product testing and data analysis software.
  • Proficient in statistical analysis and interpretation of traditional sensory data (and/or capable of quickly learning statistical methodology).
  • Understand discrimination, descriptive, and affective sensory tests – when, why, and how to use various methods.
  • Strong knowledge of questionnaire development to understand consumer behavior
  • Be able to train technicians on product preparation and test execution
  • Analysis of sensory data and write clear and understandable technical reports documenting sensory test results with actionable recommendations.
• Develop, expand, and maintain databases of internal panelists.
• Maintain PG lab stock supplies, organization and cleanliness
• Support the manger and senior analyst in test design and completion
• Support Sensory Evaluator training program at Starbucks Enterprise plants/ co-man/ suppliers and at the SSC by working with sensory team members to:
  • Assist in developing tools and documentation for training materials.
  • Assist in development of specific descriptor list for a given category working with Starbucks cross-functional teams.
  • Monitoring panel performance.
  • Train panelists on references for global lexicon and/or descriptive analysis panels.
• Support of creating and maintaining documentation
  • Collaborate with GSC Quality Operations to implement appropriate documents for training materials.
  • Accurately format documents using advanced tools in MS Word and Excel
  • Develop Sensory team SharePoint site.
• Build and maintain relationships with assigned Joint Venture partners, internal support functions and professional associations.
• Streamline and maintain file/document management system.
• Manage administrative aspects of multiple simultaneous projects at various stages of execution in a fast-paced environment.
• Actively seek opportunities to increase individual and group efficiency by creatively identifying, developing, and implementing systems that reduce recruiting, testing, and/or reporting time for standard tests.

Summary of Experience

• Sensory training and test execution for a food or beverage company/supplier. (Minimum of 3 years)
• Designing experiments and analyzing data using statistical software. (Minimum of 3 years)
• Product development experience in food/beverage preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to use computers and related software (Sensory and Statistical software), including word processing and spreadsheets for data analysis and monitoring
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to multi-task in a face paced and sometimes high pressured work environment.
• Ability to prioritize and accurately execute all tasks given.
• Ability to communicate effectively within the team and at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to be an ambassador of the Company to current and potential internal and external partners, clients, and customers.
• Ability to extract and apply data from various databases.
• Maintain composure in stressful situations

Required Educational Experience

• BS in Food Science/Sensory or related discipline required (undergraduate degree)

Starbucks is an equal opportunity employer of all qualified individuals, including minorities, women, veterans & individuals with disabilities. Starbucks will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all federal, state, and local ordinances.