Sensory Scientist

For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach's, NERDS, SweeTARTS, Laffy Taffy, and Trolli to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil. Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

Ferrara Candy Company is seeking a highly motivated Sensory Scientist to join our sensory team in Great Chicago area. The ideal candidate has strong sensory research expertise with great organizational and analytical skills in executing sensory and shelf-life studies. This role will be part of R&D team and will involve working closely with global cross-functional teams to drive product innovation and business growth. Under the direct supervision of the Sr. Sensory Manager, the Sensory Scientist is a key position within the team that is primarily responsible for planning and implementing sensory & shelf-life projects, analyzing sensory insights, taking ownership of communicating results and making technical recommendations.

• Plan and execute sensory experiments including but not limited to discrimination, descriptive, consumer hedonic studies, and shelf-life studies.
• Schedule project kickoff meetings and identify appropriate type of sensory test based on the objectives and risk levels.
• Design test protocols. Coordinate regular team tasting. Manage product inventory and storage space.
• Analyze and interpret test results using sound statistical analysis. Record data and findings and deliver report to the project team on time.
• Collaborate with Consumer Insights team to support Focus Group study and provide input to CLT and IHUT research initiatives.
• Participate in project meetings and update test results. Provide sensory training to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Modify, refine, or develop procedures/process and ensures adherence to the new procedures/process.
• Mentor lab technician by providing advice on test set-up and lab organization.
• Participate in various company activities, such as safety training, employee survey, safety audits and training.

• Experience using Sensory Testing Software and statistic data analysis tools, such as Compusense, mini-tab, STAT-EASE, etc.
• Detail Oriented
• Self-starter with ability to lead new initiatives
• Ethics and Integrity
• Time/Project Management
• Problem Solving
• Compliance/Safety
• Planning and Organization

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Sensory Science or relevant field and at least 5 years of experience, or in lieu of education, at least 8 years of relevant experience in the sensory field or consumer science.
• Strong working knowledge of sensory science in all qualitative and quantitative methodologies (affective, descriptive and discrimination).
• Proficient computer skills and strong knowledge of statistical data collection and analysis packages.
• Ability to lead multiple projects in an efficient, timely and precise manner. Excellent in time management and strong organization skill.
• Excellent oral communication and ability to work independently, as well as a high aptitude for learning and adaptability.

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at this link.

The salary range for this position is $75,000 - $105,000 annually.

Ferrara's success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer co-creation and partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. A privately held company, Ferrara has its global headquarters in Chicago and an operational network of more than 27 locations in North America, Brazil, and China that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero related company. Learn more at

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.