Sensory Scientist- Principal, Data Analyst

Walmart Walmart · Retail · Bentonville, AR

This role focuses on leading advanced data analytics for sensory research in the consumer goods sector, utilizing AI tools for feedback analysis and employing various research methodologies to inform product development and optimization. The primary output is insights and recommendations derived from data analysis.

What you'd actually do

  1. Lead the design and execution of sensory research programs to support product development, optimization, and innovation
  2. Design and execute sensory studies leveraging consumer-based methodologies (e.g., IHUTs, CLTs) through a sensory science lens
  3. Independently manage the full research process: study design, programming, fieldwork execution, analysis, and reporting
  4. Translate complex sensory data into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  5. Present findings and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior leadership

Skills

Required

  • 5+ years leading Sensory in CPG, retail, or ingredient companies
  • Expertise in IHUTs and CLTs
  • strong analytical skills
  • ability to independently run and interpret analyses (ANOVA, PCA, PLS, Preference Mapping, Segmentation, Penalty Analysis, Chi-Square)
  • Experience using AI to analyze open-ended feedback
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects
  • communicate insights clearly to leadership and non-technical audiences
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Arts, Finance or related field and 4 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field OR Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 2 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field OR 6 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field

Nice to have

  • Experience moderating qualitative sensory sessions is a plus
  • Data science, data analysis, statistics, or related field
  • Master’s degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field
  • Related industry experience (for example, retail, merchandising, healthcare, eCommerce)
  • Successful completion of assessments in data analysis and Business Intelligence tools and scripting languages (for example, SQL, Python, Spark, Scala, R, Power BI, or Tableau)

What the JD emphasized

  • Experience using AI to analyze open-ended feedback