Sensory Technician

Sapporo-Stone Brewing • Richmond, VA

3d • $27 - $29

About The Position

The Sensory Technician is responsible for executing the sensory program. This position implements world-class sensory methodology in day-to-day product release panels as well as continuous improvement projects in order to provide information to senior management so the team can make data-driven, quality-minded decisions.
We are hiring for an opening on 1st shift. Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm ET.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, BioChemistry, Biology, or related field is required.
• At least 2 years of related experience is required.
• Experience with sensory evaluation techniques and basic statistics is required.
• Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and written.
• occasional travel required to other Stone locations

Nice To Haves

• Brewing education a plus.
• Experience with cGMP and beverage manufacturing a plus.
• Experience with electronic sensory data collection a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). Experience with Draughtlab a plus.
• certification in sensory and consumer testing in quality assurance and/or product development required.
• Brewing certificate or Cicerone program certificates a plus.

Responsibilities

• Leads the process of creating descriptive profiles for each brand and reevaluate them regularly.
• Leads the recruiting efforts of new panelists.
• Implements and maintains site-wide sensory training including lexicon generation training, brand recognition training, true to target training, and attribute training.
• Maintains a trained, calibrated, and validated panel of 20+ people.
• Conducts daily taste true to target panels.
• Conducts non-routine panels such as freshness panels, tetrads, difference from control, descriptive analysis, preference testing, etc.
• 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 processes and determine the appropriate type of sensory test to deploy.
• Assists in special project work such as validation of new packaging materials or brewing processes.
• Assists in flavor matching analyses with other Sapporo and Stone breweries.
• Thinks critically about sensory deviations and provides science-based solutions.
• Thinks strategically about the long-term goals of the sensory program.
• Organizes, tracks, and maintains an active inventory of all QA beer retain samples and arranges for their analysis as requested by management.
• Collects daily taste panel samples and prepares them for sensory analysis.
• Facilitates sample shipments to headquarters, executives, various beer competitions, etc.
• Cross trains in other laboratory disciplines.
• Cleans, maintains, and troubleshoots the QA draft system.
• Maintains safety within the brewery and lab at all times.
• Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees