Lead Sensory Scientist

Job Summary

The position operates at the interface of sensory science, cognitive neuroscience, and data science. The candidate will lead data management and advanced data analytics for the R&D, Global Sensory Sciences Group.

This position sits within R&D, Enabling Technologies (ET), Sensory Science Group. We are a vibrant research group that collaborates with all segments of R&D and business units (Scent, Taste, Food Ingredients, Health & Biosciences), providing guidance and support in research and development of Fragrances, Cosmetics, Flavors, Food & Beverages, and Delivery Applications and Technologies.

A key function for this role will be to lead an ongoing digital transformation initiative within the ET Sensory Science and Neuroscience Group.

The lead scientist will work closely within a global team of sensory and neuroscientists, collaborating on the development and implementation of novel methods and technologies within ongoing human perceptual research programs. A key goal of the role is to combine, integrate and develop cross-functional datasets for perceptual performance modelling of IFF proprietary ingredients, formulations and products.

The candidate will liaise with a cross-functional team of researchers, data scientists, digital engineers, and informatics/IT specialists from across the organization to design and develop the overall data management and analytics strategy for sensory and neuroscience research at the R&D level.

The position will be preferably based in our state-of-the-art innovation center in Brabrand, Denmark.
Other possible locations are: our New York office, or Union Beach NJ site.

Key responsibilities will include:

• 1) serving as a global strategic leader within the sensory and neuroscience group,
• 2) defining and implementing a data management and analytical strategy tailored for the perceptual sciences,
• 3) mentoring scientists on the implementation of state-of-the-art data advanced analytical methods,
• 4) driving cutting-edge sensory and cognitive neuroscience research methods and tools in close collaboration with program leads to drive research & innovation, and
• 5) ensuring all aspects of human research are in full compliance with internal and external ethical standards for data collection and storage, including biometric data. 

This position is also accountable for ensuring standards of quality that meet or exceed customer expectations by adhering to strict scientific principles.  Moreover, the Lead Scientist ensures compliance with IFF safety and security policies and manages relationships with other Scientists within and outside of IFF, including groups at customers and external research collaborators.  The position requires some travel on an as needed basis. 

Job requirements:

• PhD in a field related to the perceptual sciences.
• Strong experience with explicit and implicit perceptual research methods.
• A proven record of applying advanced data analytical skills and computer programming in the context of perceptual research.
• Ability to work independently within a broadly defined technical area, aligning strategic priorities with assigned project activities.
• Strong strategic thinking and people leadership skills with demonstrated ability to manage direct reports and mentor scientists across a range of career ladder levels.

Required Skills:

• Track record of accomplishment in sensory/cognitive neuroscience research.
• Supervisory and/or group leadership experience.
• Demonstrated aptitude at delivering data science solutions, either directly or in partnership with data scientists and engineers.
• Ideal candidate would have demonstrated track record of operating at the interface of all three domains (cognitive neuroscience, sensory science, and data science).
• Strong team player with influencing skills.
• Strong written and presentation communication skills; Must be able to effectively communicate findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences as well as senior leaders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with neuroscience research directed to food ingredients, cultures, and/or microbiome research.
• Experience with sensory or cognitive neuroscience research in an industrial setting.
• Experience combining sensory and cognitive neuroscience research.
• Demonstration of advanced competency in data science or advanced statistics, including experience with one or several of Python, R, SQL, and MATLAB.
• Experience with data management of sensory and cognitive neuroscience data, including incorporation of modern infrastructure such as AWS, Azure, and Snowflake.

About You:  To be successful in the role of lead scientist you must have at least 9 years of proven track record leading research in the perceptual sciences, including managing direct reports and advanced data analytics in a related industry and/or academic/clinical setting. 

Exceptions to the 9-year requirement will be made for those candidates with outstanding technical and research experience applying advanced analytics and programming skills in the context of perceptual research, i.e., machine learning and AI approaches, Python, R, MATLAB. The hiring level, including roles and responsibilities will be adjusted based on prior work experience.

 Personal attributes:

• Strong communication skills: Presents strategic and highly technical information/ideas to individuals or groups in an articulate, straightforward, and organized way.
• Conceptual capacity/flexibility: Quickly grasps different concepts. 
• Curious, knowledgably, and creative mindset: Seen as someone who applies knowledge creatively and intelligently to the solution of problems. 

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more