Associate Principal Scientist - Sensory

As the Associate Principal Scientist - Sensory, you are part of the Global Science & Innovation Team and play a key role in partnering with Technical Service team in APAC, Global applications & Ingredient Science with project to APAC, Commercial team, Marketing team. Global Sensory team.

You will be utilizing global and regional sensory and consumer research capabilities to derive ingredients, product, and consumer insights for the organization.

About You

We’re looking to recruit an Associate Principal Scientist - Sensory reporting to the Senior Manager, Sensory APAC, based in Singapore.

This is a varied role for a person who has a strong foundation in the Food Ingredients industry, with a strong background in Sensory, Consumer Product Guidance Research, and Statistics.

Your role will support the Senior Sensory Manager in partnering with Regional Global Applications & Ingredient Science, Commercial Development, and Technical Service stakeholders to conduct sensory research and to drive customer excellence. Utilizing global and regional sensory and consumer research capabilities to derive ingredient, product, and consumer insights for the organization.

This role will provide advanced support in sensory science, specialising in complex tests and analysis to deliver high-level insights into product sensory attributes.

This role plays a key part in refining testing methodologies and leading larger sensory research projects.

About Us

Tate & Lyle's purpose, Transforming Lives Through the Science of Food, inspires everything we do. Whether it’s by making food and drink healthier and tastier; continuously improving how we work; promoting a safe working environment; or making a difference in our local communities, we believe we can successfully grow our business and have a positive impact on society.

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What You’ll Be Doing

• Design and implement advanced sensory evaluation tests in line with R&D specifications and plans, ensuring comprehensive and accurate data collection.
• Communicate project requirements, test design, methodology standards, sample specifications, timelines and quotation with external partners.
• Lead sensory studies within the team, analysing complex data sets and providing insights to management for product optimisation.
• Partner with other teams in Innovation & R&D and Sales & Marketing to align sensory attributes with brand priorities, consumer expectations and market trends.
• Guide junior Sensory team members in conducting evaluations and interpreting sensory data, providing support with complex analytical issues, sharing knowledge of best practices and setting a standard of scientific excellence.
• Identify and refine sensory testing methodologies, making recommendations to management and helping to integrate new techniques and technologies as needed.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of competitive products, supporting strategic product positioning.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations about Sensory projects, tests and initiatives, delivering insights to Innovation & R&D management and other key stakeholders.
• Manage internal panel recruitment, training, performance calibration and routine sensory evaluation execution.
• Act as the key interface with external third-party sensory to align project requirements, review test designs, validate raw data and final reports, and ensure full closed-loop delivery of both internal and outsourced sensory projects.
• Support management of vendor relationship, commercial negotiation, delivery timeline and report quality control requirements with guidance of Regional Sensory Manager..
• Manage the day to day responsibilities and priorities, including scheduling of test requirements with guidance of Regional Sensory Manager.

• Connect with global sensory team as needed to algin on project priorities, and initiatives.
• Align with Regional Sensory Manager to define sensory and consumer research objectives to support short- and long-term initiatives.
• Support the development of research proposals to meet business needs.
• Analyse and interpret test results using sound statistical analysis. Record data and findings in electronic notebook and deliver report on time.
• Review scientific literatures and keep up with the new trend, technology, regulation, and methodology in sensory evaluation.
• Protect intellectual properties by following policies and best practices in knowledge management, IP execution, and information sharing. Contribute to intellectual activities such as drafting invention disclosure and patent application, presenting at scientific conferences, providing sensory training to internal colleagues and external customers.

EHS

Perform, Maintain and improve the EHS standard and requirements as set by the Company.  Participate in the company’s EHS program including training, audit etc., arranged by the company.

Location

This role is assigned to be based in the Shanghai office, Xuhui district

What You’ll have

• Degree in Food Science & Technology/ Engineering or Sensory related field (e.g statistics, consumer science, cognitive behavior)
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the CPG (Consumer Product Group) field, in the food and beverage industry is highly desirable
• Experience of working with strict health and safety protocols in a laboratory environment is essential.
• Proficient in using Sensory software (Compusense, EveQuestion, Fizz, Red Jade, Sims, etc) and Statistical software (SAS, JMP, XLSTAT) and Microsoft applications.
• Strong background in statistics and data science and able to apply to sensory and consumer data framework.
• Deep expertise in a broad range of sensory and consumer research techniques ,with specific for panel leadership
• Customer focused and solution-oriented approach
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Sensory Function's procedures, with full knowledge of methodologies, processes, practices, and atypical issues within sensory science and R&D in the food and beverage industry.
• Able to operate independently, though may seek guidance on atypical or complex sensory science-related issues. Able to coach juniors on technical and operational matters in a specialism.
• Accountable for own targets and reviewing work of juniors.
• Frequently conducts detailed analysis and investigation to identify innovative solutions for sensory science problems or needs, determine best options or suggest improvements to existing methods.
• Initiating communication with cross-functional teams to address and resolve shared issues, collaborate on processes, and interpret or clarify technical information to enhance understanding. Solid communication skills including ability to write concise, informative reports.
• Fluency in English, written and spoken, and one local language is essential
• Strong planning and organizational skills, including knowledge of project management principles.
• Ability to apply tools and techniques to develop/plan, manage or execute multiple projects/work plans and ensure successful completion (e.g., on time, on budget).
• Self-motivated with ability to effectively focus and motivate resources
• Able to build good relationships with multi-cultural colleagues and from multiple functions
• Be comfortable with ambiguity and fast-moving timelines

What We Can Offer 

• Base salary with 13th month bonus + Performance Bonus
• Opportunities to interact with Global teams
• High-end Medical & Hospital Insurance coverage
• Flexible benefits
• LinkedIn Learning
• Membership in Employee Resource Groups (Professional Women’s Network, LGBTQ+, Black Employee Network, Veterans’, Mental Health)
• Mental health and well-being support via Mental Health First Aiders & Employee Assistance Program
• Local volunteering opportunities (where applicable)

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Tate & Lyle is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.