Senior Sensory Scientist

This role at our Daleville, VA brewery is critical to ensuring the flavor integrity and quality of our products throughout the entire production lifecycle—from raw materials to shelf life. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in sensory science, data analysis, and cross-functional communication, with a strong ability to lead panels and drive continuous improvement.

Essential Duties:

Anomaly and Trend Analysis

• Identify and diagnose flavor issues at any stage of production, from raw materials to finished products through shelf life.
• Provide informed recommendations on routine and complex process anomalies, including escalation protocols such as initiating production holds.
• Coordinate follow-up investigations, collaborating with cross-functional teams and organizing additional testing as needed.
• Analyze and interpret long-term product trends, generating clear and actionable reports.
   

Data Analysis

• Apply the scientific method to troubleshoot methodological and data integrity issues.
• Interpret results to identify potential risks related to brands, methods, or panel performance.
• Conduct internal research and draw conclusions from raw data or historical studies.
• Thorough understanding of and ability to analyze sensory methods, particularly as it relates to quality assurance. This includes both quantitative data (e.g., discrimination tests, production release, descriptive analysis) and qualitative (e.g., round tables/discussions).
• Well-versed in applied statistics as it pertains to the analysis of sensory data (alpha, beta, Type I and II errors, d’, specification charts).
• Identify opportunities for additional testing to further research objectives.
• Research and apply conclusions from raw data, internal studies, and/or literature reviews.
   

Communication

• Consistently monitor Teams feeds, Outlook calendars, posts and emails to stay updated with current production and QA processes.
• Proactively identify and implement workflow and communication improvements.
• Uphold sensory standards across departments and address deviations from SOPs.
• Present sensory data effectively, tailoring communication to the audience.
• Confidently lead high-level stakeholder tastings, helping the group to come to a collaborative decision.
• Communicate critical information to relevant stakeholders promptly, ensuring alignment across teams.
• Lead and actively participate in meetings, demonstrating strong engagement.
• Train new hires and educate team members on sensory standards and practices.

Panel Management

• Uphold and promote enterprise-wide sensory philosophies.
• Design and lead effective panelist trainings and discussions, grounded in sensory science.
• Coordinate logistics for non-routine panels and trainings in a dynamic environment.
• Motivate and guide panelists, addressing performance anomalies through coaching, targeted training, or process adjustments.
• Conduct personalized feedback sessions with panelists, adapting communication styles to individual needs.
• Strong proficiency in Compusense software:
• Create and modify sensory tests beyond routine methods.
• Troubleshoot software and hardware issues.
• Liaise with support when needed.

Project Management and Execution

• Demonstrated ability to start and facilitate projects that yield tangible production benefits, ensuring successful completion.
• Drive continuous improvement through both assigned and self-directed initiatives.
• Adapt external methodologies for internal implementation within brewery operations.
• Recommend enhancements to existing SOPs and protocols to support operational excellence.

Education/ Experience/Skills:
• Bachelor’s Degree plus four (4) years related experience
• Laboratory experience required
• Good communication, documentation and writing skills
• Solid computer skills (e.g., Word, Excel)

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift objects up to 80 pounds and carry for 3 steps
• Ability to lift objects up to 37 pounds overhead
• Ability to walk up and down stairs carrying objects up to 6 lbs.
• Ability to demonstrate their ability to stoop, climb, squat, and reach overhead

Percent of Travel: 10%-20%

Working Conditions: Laboratory, Office, Production Areas

Wage information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is Bell’s and New Belgium's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, or other position-related reasons.

Starting Salary Range: $60,000-$69,500

All Full time Coworkers at Bell’s and New Belgium enjoy the following benefits after one calendar month of employment: Medical & Dental Insurance (options available for dependents), Basic Term Life and AD&D Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, PTO, 401k Match, Paid Caregiver Leave, and Profit Sharing. Details will be shared, and questions answered during our interview process.