Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Sensory Evaluation Center (SEC) in the Department of Food Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking a full-time Sensory & Consumer Scientist (Research Project Manager – Intermediate Professional or Professional Level) to manage studies for academic research and industrial clients, including creating experimental designs, training student workers, scheduling and executing studies, data analysis and archiving, and reporting of study results. The work is fast paced, as the facility tests several hundred people in a typical week. Internal clients include graduate students and faculty in Food Science and/or other departments in the College of Agricultural Sciences. External clients include large multinational corporations and smaller food companies within Pennsylvania.
Oversight and technical guidance are provided by the SEC Director (Dr. John Hayes) and Associate Director (Dr. Helene Hopfer), but the successful individual will be expected to make routine decisions and allocate resources without direct supervisory input.
Daily activities include fielding inquiries from clients, advising on research designs, developing project proposals for clients using existing templates, and generating technical reports of results upon project completion. Other activities include creating standard operating procedures for sensory tests, hiring and training student workers, leading creation of training materials for support staff, organizing short course and outreach activities, assuring regulatory compliance, including preparation, submission and documentation of protocols for Human Subjects Protection and Lab Safety. The successful individual will also present data at conferences and coauthor peer reviewed papers as appropriate.
Required Qualifications:
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and written and oral communication skills are essential.
Attention to detail and good project management skills are vital requirements, as well as an ability to work in a team environment across multiple levels of experience and seniority.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Dietetics, Psychology, Market Research, Culinary Arts or other related area is preferred but not required. PhD Preferred.
Experience with Compusense Cloud (or comparable software like RedJade, FIZZ, or SIMS).
Working knowledge of Sensory & Consumer Science testing methods (preference, acceptance, difference testing, JAR and penalty analysis, QDA and Spectrum Descriptive Analysis) and/or statistical software like R/SAS/SPSS/JMP/XL Stat.
Experience with Focus Groups (remote / in person) is strongly preferred.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research Project Manager - Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Research Project Manager - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:
Master's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $56,200.00 - $89,600.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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