Sensory Technician

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

Location: Clark, NJ

Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract (6 Months)

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and hands-on Sensory Technician to support our Sensory and Research & Development teams through a 6-month fixed-term contract. This role offers exposure to a wide range of sensory evaluation methods used to help develop great-tasting food and beverage products. The successful candidate will play a key role in preparing and executing sensory tests while ensuring compliance with laboratory and food safety standards.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare samples according to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) using scales, pipettes, and other laboratory equipment.
• Label cups and accurately portion samples for sensory testing.
• Serve samples to panelists during sensory evaluations.
• Wash dishes, maintain cleanliness, and support general laboratory upkeep.
• Receive and ship samples to and from other Kerry locations.
• Assist with inventory management and ordering laboratory supplies.
• Learn and utilize Compusense software to generate ballots and schedule panelists.
• Support additional sensory and laboratory activities as assigned.

Qualifications and skills

• High School Diploma or equivalent, with strong performance in science-related coursework.
• Minimum of 1 year of laboratory experience in sensory science, research, healthcare, or a related field.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently while following established procedures and directions.
• Knowledge of food handling, food safety, and sanitation practices.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• High attention to detail and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to taste and smell flavor chemicals and food products, including products that may contain allergens.
• Ability to stand for extended periods in a laboratory environment and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills and initiative.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.

The pay range for this position is $47,900 - $78,750 per hour. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. This job posting is anticipated to expire on September 30th, 2026

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.