Sensory Scientist Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a Sensory Scientist Do?
Sensory scientists carry out sensory analysis in order to compose or improve flavours and fragrances for the food, beverage and cosmetics industry. They base their flavour and fragrance development on sensory and consumer research. Sensory scientists carry out research and analyse statistical data to meet customers expectations.
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Where Do I Start?
Quantitative Sensory Testing
The principles of different available methods and paradigms of quantitative sensory testing for heat sensing thresholds and pain thresholds and the limitations of psychophysical techniques.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Sensory Scientist
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialQuantitative Sensory Testing knowledge
The principles of different available methods and paradigms of quantitative sensory testing for heat sensing thresholds and pain thresholds and the limitations of psychophysical techniques.
Recommended Books
2 booksA Practical Guide to Sensory and Consumer Evaluation
Sensory Testing Methods -
EssentialAllergology knowledge
Allergology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialCombination Of Flavours knowledge
The large range of combinations of flavours to develop new recipes or products.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMicrobiology-Bacteriology knowledge
Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMolecular Biology knowledge
The interactions between the various systems of a cell, the interactions between the different types of genetic material and how these interactions are regulated.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMarket Research knowledge
The processes, techniques, and purposes comprised in the first step for developing marketing strategies such as the collection of information about customers and the definition of segments and targets.
Recommended Books
2 booksA Practical Guide to Sensory and Consumer Evaluation -
EssentialToxicology knowledge
The negative effects of chemicals on living organisms, their dose and exposure.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialFood Flavourings knowledge
Substances used to alter the odour and taste of food products. They can be produced naturally by extracting the essential oil from the plant, or created chemically by mixing chemical …
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialOlfaction knowledge
The sense of smell with its characteristics for the main olfactory systems and the more specific systems such as human olfactory system or accessory olfactory system.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialAnalytical Chemistry knowledge
Instruments and methods used to separate, identify and quanitfy matter - the chemical components of natural and artificial materials and solutions.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialChemistry knowledge
The composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk factors, and disposal methods.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialStatistical Analysis System Software knowledge
Specific software system (SAS) used for advanced analytics, business intelligence, data management, and predictive analytics.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialStatistics knowledge
The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPerform Sensory Evaluation skill
Evaluate the quality of a given type of food or beverage based on its appearance, smell, taste, aroma, and others. Suggest possible improvements and comparisons with other products.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAdvise On Fragrances skill
Provide advice on chemical fragrances to clients such as chemical manufacturers, chemical plants and researchers.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Raw Materials skill
Prepare and measure the basic materials that are needed to produce goods and finished products.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialResearch Fragrances skill
Research new chemical ingredients in order to develop new and better fragrance chemicals.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 18 displayed)
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OptionalFood Legislation knowledge
Legislation related to the food and feed industry including food manufacturing, hygiene, safety, raw materials, additives, GMOs, labelling, environmental and trade regulations.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalFood Science knowledge
The study of the physical, biological, and chemical makeup of food and the scientific concepts underlying food processing and nutrition.
Recommended Books
2 booksA Practical Guide to Sensory and Consumer Evaluation -
OptionalPerfume Raw Materials knowledge
The materials whose essence is extracted to manufacture perfumes. Raw materials for the manufacturing of perfumes such as flowers, spices, fruits, and wood.
Recommended Books
2 booksRaw Materials of Perfumery, Their Nature, Occurrence and EmploymentOdorographia, a Natural History of Raw Materials and Drugs Used in the Perfume Industry. Intended to Serve Growers, Manufacturers and Consumers; 1 -
OptionalFood Allergies knowledge
The types of food allergies within the sector, which substances trigger allergies, and how they can be replaced or eliminated (if possible).
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAllergies knowledge
Changes in an organism's response to a pathogen when that organism has been previously affected by the same pathogen.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAnalyse Consumer Buying Trends skill
Analyse buying habits or currently prevalent customer behaviour.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAnalyse Samples Of Food And Beverages skill
Examine if food or beverages are safe for human consumption. Verify the right levels of key ingredients and the correctness of the label declarations and the levels of nutrients present. …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCheck Quality Of Raw Materials skill
Check the quality of basic materials used for the production of semi-finished and finished goods by assessing some of its characteristics and, if needed, select samples to be analysed.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop New Food Products skill
Conduct experiments, produce sample products, and perform research as part of new food product development (NPD).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDocument Analysis Results skill
Document on paper or on electronic devices the process and the results of the samples analysis performed.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalReport Analysis Results skill
Produce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods which led to the results, as well …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse A Computer skill
Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdvise Food Industry skill
Give councelling to food service managers and organisations, on matters related to nutrition such as menu development, food composition, budgeting, planning, sanitation, safety procedures, and process for a better nutritional …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssess Food Samples skill
Assess samples from a range of sources to draw analyses. For example, microorganisms detection, chemical analysis, and parasitological analysis.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCreate Fragrances Formulae skill
Create chemical formulae for the already researched new fragrances.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalParticipate In The Development Of New Food Products skill
Participate in the development of new food products together within a cross-functional team. Bring technical knowledge and perspective to the development of new products. Perform research. Interpret results for food …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalTest Fragrances Against Customer Satisfaction skill
Test a new set of fragrances on a chosen group of volunteer customers in order to check how they react on the new products and which is their level of …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalTroubleshoot Cosmetics Formula Issues skill
Troubleshoot the unstable formulas, scaling-up issues in order to ensure stability and a high quality end product that conforms to specifications.
Course recommendations coming soon.