QA Sensory Scientist

Apply Job Type Full-time Description Sapporo USA and Stone Brewing have come together to form one of the top 15 largest breweries in the United States, building on the strong legacies of our celebrated heritages. We brew badass beers on both coasts at our breweries in Escondido, CA and Richmond, VA, and create amazing experiences at our Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens and Taproom locations. We've enjoyed a rich history following our passion and are in search of people who are equally passionate about pursuing their craft to join the team. Summary The Sensory Scientist is responsible for leading and executing the sensory program in Escondido, CA. This position utilizes sensory methodologies to recruit and train panelists, conduct various panels to evaluate brand drift and guarantee our product is always true-to-target, and provides support to the innovation team to ensure we continue to produce cutting-edge brands that our consumers love. Responsibilities Works safely in an industrial lab setting. Creates descriptive profiles for each brand and reevaluates them regularly. Maintains a trained, calibrated, and validated panel. Explores creative ways to recruit and/or keep panelists engaged. Implements and maintains site-wide sensory training on a variety of topics, including, but not limited to, lexicon, brand recognition, true to target, and attribute training. Conducts daily true to target panels and escalates any abnormalities to brewing and QA leadership. Performs non-routine panels such as freshness panels, tetrads, difference from control, descriptive analysis, preference testing, etc. Develop, implement, and maintain periodic shelf-life assessments for all core brands. Evaluates sensory deviations by reviewing control charts in combination with analytical and microbiological data to determine a course of action. Creates and effectively communicates long-term schedules for sensory training and various panels to meet the company's broader goals. Tracks experimental brews as they move through the brewery process and determines the appropriate type of sensory test to deploy. Assists in special project work such as validation of new packaging materials or brewing processes. Periodically evaluates raw materials to determine if there is lot to lot variation and/or a change in freshness and disseminates to brewery leadership. Ensure flavor matching analyses our performed regularly with other Sapporo and Stone breweries. Actively work with industry peers to assess and potentially adopt new sensory methods. Think strategically about long-term goals of the sensory program. Provides support in the investigation of sensory related consumer complaints. Compiles, analyzes, and presents descriptive analysis data from acceptance panels at the monthly quality review meetings. Cleans, maintains, and troubleshoots the QA draft and crowler systems. Requirements Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Sensory, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field is preferred. Brewing education, a plus. Experience: At least 2 years of related experience is required. 5 or more years of experience is a plus. Experience with sensory evaluation techniques and basic statistics is required. Experience with cGMP and beverage manufacturing a plus. Experience with electronic sensory data collection a plus. Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). Experience with Draughtlab a plus. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: certification in sensory and consumer testing in quality assurance and/or product development preferred. Brewing certificate or Cicerone program certificates a plus. Language Skills: Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and written. Travel Requirements: occasional travel required to other Stone locations and industry events. Compensation, Benefits & Perks Pay Range: $67,000 - $72,000 per year Additional Pay: 2.5% Bonus Potential Comprehensive Health Insurance, 401K, and Bonuses for Eligible Team Members Company beer perks program and discounts Paid Time Off - including Vacation accrual, Sick Leave, and 12 paid Holidays. Benefit programs supporting Financial Wellness, Health & Wellness and Career Development Sapporo USA and Stone Brewing is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, citizenship status, various ability status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression of an otherwise qualified individual, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law. Sapporo USA and Stone Brewing hires and promotes individuals based on their qualifications for the job to be filled. Sapporo USA and Stone Brewing seeks to build a culturally diverse staff where differences are valued and respected. Women, minorities, individuals with various abilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ and intersectional individuals are encouraged to apply. Salary Description $67,000 - $72,000