Sr Research Scientist Sensory Innovation

Why Hershey: At The Hershey Company, our culture is rooted in purpose and inspired by Milton Hershey’s enduring vision that business should create opportunity for others. Through our commitment to corporate philanthropy, we create positive impact by supporting communities, helping children thrive, and operating as a business for good. This includes our deep and long standing partnership with Milton Hershey School, where we invest in education, workforce readiness, and hands on engagement to help students succeed beyond the classroom. Supported by strategic grantmaking, product donations, cross brand collaboration, and strong employee volunteerism, Hershey offers a place to work where making a difference—locally and globally—is part of how we do business every day. Location: Hershey, PA (Onsite)

The Hershey Company is an industry-leading snacks company known for making more moments of goodness through its iconic brands. With a strong portfolio across chocolate, confectionery, and salty snacks, Hershey delights consumers every day. Our beloved brands include Hershey’s, Reese’s, KitKat®, Dots Pretzels, Lesser Evil, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and more.

At Hershey, we are committed to making a meaningful difference in the communities where we live, work, and do business. This commitment originated with our founder, Milton Hershey, and continues to shape who we are today.

Guided by our employee value proposition, Lead Today. Create Tomorrow, we empower our people to drive impact now while shaping what comes next. Our One Hershey mindset brings teams together across functions, geographies, and businesses, enabling us to operate with speed, collaboration, and shared purpose.

The Hershey Company is proud to be recognized as a top employer in the United States, reflecting our commitment to our people, culture, and purpose.   How will you fit in the big picture?

As a Sr Research Scientist, Sensory Innovation, you will serve as the sensory liaison to assigned brands, primarily supporting new product innovation. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Sensory Innovation, this role partners across Sensory & Product Insights, R&D and cross-functional teams to shape learning agendas, guide research strategies, and turn sensory and consumer data into clear, actionable recommendations.   What will you do?

Independently and collaboratively design, collect, analyze, interpret, and report sensory and consumer research, delivering actionable recommendations. Lead research primarily for innovation, while also supporting product improvements and margin enhancement initiatives for existing products. Apply analytical sensory methods strategically alongside consumer testing to ensure project objectives are met. Serve as a technical thought partner to cross-functional teams, helping shape learning agendas and research strategies. Contribute to the development and implementation of new or improved sensory and consumer research capabilities that expand the department’s toolbox. Build effective partnerships with cross-functional teams and internal stakeholders.

Minimum Education & Requirements

Education/Experience: At least 3 years of relevant experience. Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in Food Science, Psychology, Statistics, or a related technical discipline with an emphasis in Sensory and Consumer Research

Experience should include research design, advanced statistical analysis, and communication of complex findings. Proficiency with statistical analysis or programming software such as JMP, R, SPSS, SAS, Minitab, or similar is required. Experience with sensory data collection systems such as EyeQuestion, Compusense, or RedJade is preferred.

At Hershey, we offer competitive pay and a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security, and life outside of work.

Health & Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and