Nature’s Fynd is a Chicago-based food company creating versatile alternative proteins to nourish the world’s growing population while nurturing the planet. Born out of research conducted for NASA on microbes in Yellowstone National Park, the company’s breakthrough technology produces Fy™. Fy is a new-to-the-world, nutritional fungi protein that only uses a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. We use Fy to make delicious, nutritious, and sustainable meat and dairy alternatives.
Nature’s Fynd is a groundbreaking food tech company born out of NASA-supported research on extremophiles in the geothermal pools of Yellowstone National Park. Our novel fermentation technology produces a sustainable source of complete protein using only a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. As the challenge to feed the world’s expanding population grows, our mission is to create amazing foods and materials that provide sustainable choices and nurture the planet.
We’re looking for passionate, driven, and ambitious people to join our fast-growing team.
The Sr. Sensory Scientist will be responsible for managing sensory projects focused on our ingredient & its different formats. This position will report directly to the Sensory Manager & work closely with ingredient science, analytical, data science, quality, R&D, engineering, & product development. The ideal candidate will have a background in flavor & sensory science & demonstrate a combination of technical & interpersonal skills.
Responsibilities:
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on complex projects & recommend appropriate sensory testing to support projects based on the company’s objectivesParticipate in cross-functional product and ingredient development projects and guide activities on improving sensory aspects of products/Ingredients Schedule, design & execute sensory tests, including panelist recruitment, survey software programing, sample prep, serving, & clean upStatistically analyze & report sensory data, drawing meaningful conclusions, & recommendations for product optimizationDevelop methodologies that allow correlating sensory and analytical results to guide product and ingredient development Create and Maintain ingredient/product sensory lexicons Train & monitor performance of panelistsDevelop quality sensory protocolsStay updated on industry trends & emerging technologies related to sensory science, flavor chemistry, & contribute to innovation in product developmentQualifications:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Sensory, Food Science or technical/related field5+ years of food industry experience in a sensory roleStrong fundamental knowledge of sensory principles, test design, execution & analysesExtensive working knowledge of all qualitative & quantitative sensory science methodologies, specifically Spectrum™ descriptive analysisCompetency in sensory survey softwares (experience in RedJade would be beneficial)Excellent interpersonal skillsAbility to prioritize & manage multiple projects simultaneouslyVersatility, flexibility and willingness to work enthusiastically within changing prioritiesDetail-oriented & organized
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated understanding of food science & flavor chemistry in ingredient & finished product applicationsExperience correlating analytical methods such as GC-MS, e-nose and/or e-tongue data to sensory dataFamiliarity with plant and/or fungi based foodsBenefits:
Participation in Employee Stock Ownership Program100% paid employee benefits (medical, dental, vision)Generous Parental leave policyOpportunity to join a company with an aggressive growth trajectory that will revolutionize multiple industriesEngaging and dynamic work culture full of innovation and collaboration with your fellow FyndersCommitment To Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, And Belonging:
Nature’s Fynd views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and valuesEEO Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law