Associate Research (Part-time)

Location: Hershey, PA 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.   About The Hershey Company

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 the Part-Time Assoicate Research/Sensory Lab Technician, reporting to the Sr. Manager, Sensory Quality, this role supports sensory testing and product evaluation activities that contribute to product development, quality, innovation, and shelf-life initiatives across The Hershey Company. Working in both the Technical Center and 19 East Sensory Lab environments, this role is responsible for preparing and executing sensory testing, managing samples and laboratory operations, maintaining accurate records and inventories, and supporting employee and trained sensory panel programs. The incumbent applies established procedures and foundational technical knowledge to ensure testing is conducted accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with department standards. This position collaborates closely with sensory professionals, product development teams, and other cross-functional partners to support short- and medium-term project objectives while contributing to continuous improvement efforts. What will you do?

Execute sensory testing and product evaluation activities that support product development, quality, innovation, and shelf-life projects. Responsibilities include sample preparation, ballot creation, scheduling, test execution, and accurate documentation of results while ensuring adherence to established sensory protocols and department procedures.

Support product development and technical project progress by carrying out assigned technical activities using established methods and procedures. Capture observations, maintain data integrity, and communicate findings to support decision-making. Assist with development activities while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Manage samples, inventory, and laboratory operations to ensure operational readiness. Responsibilities include sample receipt, storage, tracking, movement between temperature-controlled environments, shipping, and inventory management of testing supplies, reference products, and laboratory materials.