Sensory Technologist

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Drive product quality and innovation through hands-on sensory research and consumer insights. As a Sensory Technologist, you will support the sensory team within the R&D organization by coordinating research activities, executing sensory testing, and translating results into meaningful insights that influence product development. You will partner closely with sensory scientists, technicians, R&D, and Marketing to support customized research designs, analyze data, and deliver actionable recommendations that strengthen Perdue’s brands, product quality, and innovation initiatives. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, curious, and collaborative professional who enjoys combining science, research, and consumer perspectives to help create products that meet evolving consumer needs.

This is an onsite position at our Innovation Center in Salisbury, MD.

The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $90,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance). Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates to support a smooth and successful transition.

In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.  

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Support execution of sensory test designs for Research and Development product optimization and innovation.


• Prepare and support execution of sensory tests by working with the sensory team, Research and Development, and Marketing.


• Deliver feedback to appropriate team members and customers, including Product Development, Marketing, Foodservice, and Market Research.


• Follow up and assist as needed to ensure report findings are implemented.


• Communicate next steps in projects to team members.


• Coordinate sensory testing priorities across Research and Development, Marketing, Operations, and external suppliers to ensure alignment with business objectives, product launch timelines, and resource constraints.


• Balance competing testing priorities and escalate risks as appropriate.


• Serve as administrator of sensory testing databases and participant management processes.


• Monitor compliance with sensory research protocols, identify process gaps, and recommend process improvements to improve efficiency, quality, and data integrity.


• Support ongoing sensory improvement processes, including support for all Research and Development categories, the sensory shelf-life program, and quality control and quality assurance sensory programs at manufacturing facilities.


• Evaluate sensory testing workflows and recommend modifications to procedures, resource allocation, scheduling practices, and communication processes to improve efficiency and alignment with business needs.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Nutrition, or a related discipline.


• 0-2 years of work experience.


• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.


• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.


• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods related to sensory science.


• Excellent teamwork skills with a positive, can-do attitude and the ability to partner with various teams throughout the organization to provide insight.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Sensory experience.


• Knowledge of Compusense.


• Basic statistics and sensory methodology knowledge.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional movement to other offices or buildings.


• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.


• May need to access files, supplies, and equipment.


• Work activity occurs in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.


• Travel within the United States 10-25%.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.