Data Flavor & Taste Engineer (M/F) 1

The Bel Group is a major player in the food industry through portions of dairy, fruit and plant-based products, and one of the world leaders in branded cheeses. Its portfolio of differentiated and internationally recognized brands includes The Laughing Cow®, Kiri®, Babybel®, Boursin® Nurishh®, Pom'Potes® and GoGo squeeZ®, as well as some 30 local brands. Together, these brands helped the Group generate sales of €3.74 billion in 2024.

Do you want to join a company with strong brands that puts consumers and responsibility at the heart of the decision-making process? Then Bel is made for you!

Are you bold, pragmatic, and determined? Do you want to contribute to the transformation of an international agri-food company? Them come join us and measure the impact of your talent and energy in realizing an ambitious and sustainable company project!

 

#IWorkForAllForGood

PLACE AND DATE

Duration of the position: 12 months

Start of the position: March 2026

Location: Bel Group Research and Innovation Center, Vendôme (41)

MAIN MISSIONS

The Flavor and Taste team of the Applied Research Department of the Bel Group is recruiting a motivated engineer to support sensory research and data analysis activities aimed at strengthening our understanding of product perception and driving innovation in future developments.

As part of this mission, you will be responsible for:

Conducting Sensory Tests

- Design and execute sensory experiments (fully semantic, semi-semantic, discrimination).

- Guarantee data reliability through standardized collection protocols.

- Support panel training and ensure consistency in sensory evaluations.

Managing Data & Reporting

- Organize and clean sensory data for accurate analysis.

- Perform basic statistical analyses (ANOVA, PCA, correlation studies) under guidance.

- Deliver clear reports, visualizations, and summaries to project teams.

Collaborating on Research Projects

- Work closely with developers, data scientists, and researchers to integrate sensory insights.

- Provide robust sensory data for multi-disciplinary projects.

- Participate in team discussions to interpret results in the context of product development.

Optimizing Tools & Processes

- Apply digital tools for data management and visualization (Excel, RedJade, Python basics, PowerBI).

- Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve data sharing.

- Stay informed on emerging sensory research methods and AI-supported approaches.

Driving Innovation & Research Excellence

- Maintain a proactive, research-oriented mindset focused on future challenges.

- Propose and validate new methods to enhance sensory research impact.

- Design experiments and workflows anticipating consumer trends and technological advances.

- Strengthen the team’s data-driven capabilities through innovative practices.

Required Qualifications

- Master's degree or equivalent in sensory science with experience in food or cosmetic industry.

- Background in food science, psychology, cognitive science, or a related field.

- Demonstrates practical knowledge of sensory evaluation methods, including both explicit and non-explicit methodologies.

- Strong background in statistics and data handling.

- Familiarity with common software tools for data entry and analysis.

- Strong attention to detail, organization, and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience running sensory panels in an academic or industry setting.

- Exposure to R or Python for simple data analysis.

- Interest in AI/ML applications in sensory or consumer research.

- Comfort working in cross-functional, collaborative environments.

PROFILE

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, detail-oriented researcher with strong scientific curiosity and a passion for discovery. They naturally question assumptions and seek evidence-driven answers, balancing rigorous experimentation with creative problem solving. Deeply data-driven and enthusiastic about harnessing advanced analytics and digital tools, they are committed to pushing the boundaries of sensory research within a dynamic, cross-functional environment.

In addition to these technical strengths, the candidate demonstrates exceptional adaptability, thriving when working with diverse teams and fostering strong collaboration—particularly with the sensory team.

Fluency in French and English further supports effective communication and integration within the organization

If you think that this job is for you, please click now on the button "Apply". The recruitment team of your site will contact you very soon.