Senior Scientist II, Sweetness Strategy

DESCRIPTION & REQUIREMENTS:

Position Overview:

Conduct sensory research in support of ingredient and human chemosensory research initiatives. Strong sensory background is essential. Scientist will work with the Technical community to design and conduct appropriate research to advance knowledge of the ingredients and their effect on taste to meet business objectives.

Specifically, the scientist will determine appropriate research methodologies for the evaluation of various ingredients and sweeteners, coordinate tests, analyze and interpret experimental data and provide technical recommendations, reporting results orally and in written documentation.

Principal Accountabilities
• Working knowledge of sensory evaluation methods with emphasis on psychophysical measurement, in particular discriminative /descriptive tests and temporal profiling
• Working knowledge of sensory assessment of food/beverage ingredients and sweeteners
• Demonstrates understanding of core consumer quantitative and qualitative methods
• Independently leads and trains descriptive panels
• Working knowledge of the mechanisms of the human chemical senses, particularly taste receptors and taste perception
• Expertise on the assessment of natural and artificial sweeteners
• Working knowledge of risk management in test design (i.e. uses alpha/beta to set sample sizes)
• Working knowledge of statistics: appropriately applies statistics and accurately interprets statistical output
• Trained in Design of Experiment (DOE)
• Appropriately designs studies that address the project objectives
• Ability to integrate sensory and consumer methods into research plans, integrate data and draw conclusions from the multiple sources of information as well as multiple studies
• Clear understanding of business objectives and the difference between “what the clients need versus what they want”
• Ability to write Technical reports with business relevancy.
• Ability to interpret results and draw conclusions within a study.
• Documents methods, results, conclusions and recommendations effectively, including appropriate information and level of detail.
• Ability to lead and manage multiple projects
• Well developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated passion, flexibility and excitement
• Experience with automated sensory data collection systems




Key Challenges
• Competent to innovate or modify scientific methods for product or ingredient evaluation according to business requirements
• Able to coordinate efforts cross-functionally to meet timelines and priorities
• Balance the application of “best” practices within the constraints of limited resources to meet aggressive business timelines
• Act as a world class expert of sensory science in supporting the objectives of the business
• Convey strategic input on all sensory projects to the required standards.
• Set up sensory panels, design sensory trials, analyze sensory data, interpret results and communicate findings to scientific and commercial audiences
Knowledge & Experience
• Extensive experience in the area of sensory evaluation of ingredients and sweeteners
• Substantial practical experience in setting up and managing sensory panels at industrial level.
• Substantial practical experience with a range of different sensory methodologies including temporal profiling
• Member of professional organizations
• Demonstrated track record of working at own initiative and as part of a team
Education: Bachelor’s Degree or related work experience. Advanced degree in either Food or Behavioral Science (e.g. experimental psychology) with emphasis on sensory evaluation preferred
Work Experience: Minimum 7 years related experience
Core Competencies

Drives Innovative Business Improvements: Develops new insights into solutions that result in organizational improvements; promotes a work environment that fosters creative thinking, innovation and rational risk-taking.

Balances Immediate and Long-Term Priorities: Seeks to meet critical objectives while considering the impact of those decisions and activities on the ability to achieve long-term goals.

Delivers Results: Focuses on the critical few objectives that add the most value and channels own and others' energy to consistently deliver results that meet or exceed expectations.

Imports and Exports Good Ideas: Relentlessly seeks, shares and adopts ideas and best practices in and outside the Company and embraces change introduced by others.

Develops and Inspires Others: Builds and maintains relationships that motivate, guide, and/or reinforce the performance of others toward goal accomplishments. Develops self and others to improve performance in current role and to prepare for future roles; seeks and provides feedback and coaching to enhance performance.

Other Core Competencies
• Strong descriptive analysis panel leading and interpersonal skills
• Strong sensory science and psychophysical measurement skills (both theory and application)
• Solid understanding of application of skills to product development and quality assurance needs
• Strong oral, written communication and influencing skills
Technical Skills

Basic Flavor Chemistry: General knowledge of the organic chemistry of essential oils and other flavor compounds that are relevant to Company products.

Basic Project Management: Knowledge of project management principles and the ability to apply the principles, tools and techniques to develop/plan, manage or execute projects or workplans to ensure successful completion (e.g., on time, within budget).

Building Technical Relationships: Ability to apply technical knowledge and establish credibility with highly technical audiences in order to build technical relationships that will benefit customers or the Company.

Calibration: Ability to measure instrument variations and apply corrections for ensuring the accuracy and precision of an instrument or measurement tool.

Flavor Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of flavoring materials, the flavor industry and the trade organizations that represent them.

Honesty and integrity have always been cornerstone values of The Coca-Cola Company. Our passion for people of integrity mirrors our spirited drive for total quality in our brands. These and other elements allow the company to sustain strategic practices and drive business performance. The Personnel Integrity Assurance Program is another step toward making The Coca-Cola Company the premier workplace.

This process includes a pre-employment background investigation that applies to all applicants employees and contractors of the company. The scope of this inquiry may cover such elements as education employment history a criminal history check reference checks and a pre-employment drug screen.

Designated countries or sensitive positions within the company may have more stringent standards.

At The Coca-Cola Company you can cultivate your career in a challenging and dynamic environment. We are the largest manufacturer and distributor of nonalcoholic drinks in the world-selling more than 1 billion drinks a day. Unlock your full potential with a future-focused company that is known and respected throughout the world.
Senior Scientist II, Sweetness Strategy