Sr Sensory Scientist

The Senior Sensory Scientist role within the Research, Development, and Quality organization will lead sensory and consumer research that supports the product innovation and renovation agenda and guides the development of great-tasting beverages across multiple categories and brands. The Senior Sensory Scientist will independently develop research strategies, select and apply advanced sensory and consumer methods, and analyze and integrate data to translate consumer and sensory insights into clear product direction.

Working closely with Product Development, Marketing, Consumer Insights, Quality, Regulatory and Operations, this role serves as a sensory subject matter expert on complex and high-priority projects, influences cross-functional decision making, and helps advance sensory capabilities, methods and best practices across the organization.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

Sensory & Consumer Research Leadership

• Independently designs and leads complex sensory research, including discrimination, descriptive and consumer testing, across a variety of brands, products and business priorities.
• Develops comprehensive sensory and consumer research strategies that address complex business and technical questions and applies experimental design and DOE principles to sensory research.
• Partners with internal sensory panels and other Sensory Scientists to determine the most effective research approaches and deliver timely, reliable data.
• Ensures high-quality research execution, data integrity and appropriate documentation of sensory work.

Data Analysis & Insight Generation

• Analyzes and integrates sensory, consumer and statistical data, translates findings into actionable insights, and provides clear technical recommendations that influence product development decisions.
• Uses sensory research and statistical software (e.g., Compusense, FIZZ, JMP) to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and generate insights.
• Identifies key sensory and consumer drivers and translates complex findings into clear implications for products and the business.

Product Development & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partners with Product Developers and cross-functional teams to establish sensory targets, identify key product drivers, and guide formulation and optimization of prototypes and finished products.
• Serves as a sensory subject matter expert on complex, high-visibility or strategically important product development initiatives.
• Influences Marketing and Consumer Research programs by helping shape learning plans, integrating sensory and consumer data, and translating insights into product direction.
• Builds strong cross-functional relationships and influences project direction through sensory and consumer expertise.

Communication & Influence

• Communicates research findings, recommendations, risks and implications to cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership, tailoring the message to audiences with varied sensory knowledge.
• Synthesizes complex technical information into clear recommendations that enable decision making.
• Effectively influences project direction and business decisions through technical expertise, strong storytelling and objective evidence.

Sensory Capability & Technical Leadership

• Leads or contributes to the development and continuous improvement of standardized sensory practices, protocols, research methods and processes.
• Identifies opportunities to introduce new sensory methods, analytical approaches and technologies that strengthen organizational capabilities.
• Provides technical guidance, coaching and mentoring to Sensory Scientists and other team members and supports the development of sensory capability across R&D.
• Stays current on sensory and consumer science best practices, emerging methods and relevant technologies and identifies opportunities to apply them to business needs.
• Demonstrates flexibility and resilience in managing multiple priorities, ambiguity and changing business needs.

• Salary Range: $76,400 - $120,000
• Actual placement within the compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors
• Benefits, subject to election and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Paid Time Off (including paid parental leave, vacation, and sick time), 401k with company match, Tuition Reimbursement, and Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual bonus based on performance and eligibility

• BS. in Food Science, Sensory Science, Consumer Science, or a related field; M.S. preferred.
• 6 years of experience in sensory and/or consumer science within food, beverage or CPG, and/or commensurate advanced education.
• Advanced knowledge of discrimination, descriptive and consumer research methods, with demonstrated experience applying experimental design and statistics to solve complex product and business questions.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop sensory research strategies, select appropriate methodologies, interpret complex datasets and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Experience with sensory research and statistical software (e.g., Compusense, FIZZ, JMP).
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating in a team-based environment.
• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills, curiosity and a growth mindset.
• Experience coaching or mentoring scientists and/or building technical capability is preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Keurig Dr Pepper (Nasdaq: KDP) is a leading beverage company with more than 150 owned, licensed and partner brands that meet a wide range of needs and occasions. Our North American refreshment beverage business holds leadership positions across carbonated soft drinks, water, juice and mixers with a portfolio of iconic brands such as Dr Pepper®, Canada Dry®, Mott’s®, A&W®, Peñafiel®, GHOST®, 7UP®, Snapple®, Clamato® and Core Hydration®. Our global coffee business spans more than 100 markets and includes the leading Keurig® single‑serve brewing system in the U.S. and Canada, along with powerhouse brands such as Peet’s, L’OR and Jacobs, and other regional coffee leaders. Our more than 50,000 employees aim to enhance the experience of every beverage and coffee occasion while making a positive impact for people, communities and the planet.

We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work.

Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation and growth. Will you join us?

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

A.I. Disclosure: 
KDP uses artificial intelligence to assist with initial resume screening and candidate matching. This technology helps us efficiently identify candidates whose qualifications align with our open roles.  AI does not make hiring decisions; all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by talent acquisition team members.  If you prefer not to have your application processed using artificial intelligence, you may opt out by emailing your resume and qualifications directly to kdpjobs@kdrp.com in lieu of clicking Apply. In order for your application to be considered and opted out of AI, you must include the words "AI Opt-Out" and either job title and location or Job ID # in the email subject line in your email application.