Sensory Manager

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: about 1 year ago
Location: Denver, COLORADO
Deadline: 31 Mar 2023

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Sensory Manager
Position Location Denver, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202300444AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib III
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $75,000 - $95,000 plus comprehensive benefits package. .
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 03/31/2023
Description of Work Unit
ABOUT THE CSU SPUR CAMPUS AT THE NATIONAL WESTERN CENTER:
The Spur campus is a project of the CSU System, which is comprised of three campuses: CSU in Fort Collins, CSU Pueblo, and CSU Global. In conjunction with its partners, the CSU System has three buildings focused on water, food and agriculture, animal health, and sustainability at Spur at the National Western Center (NWC). Within the Spur buildings, CSU will conduct research and convene experts from around the globe; students of all ages will engage with science and have opportunities for exploratory learning, transforming their thinking about food, water, and health and the careers available in these fields; and partners will join in programming the space and bring evolving content to the year-round campus. Learn more at www.CSUSpur.org. The Food Innovation Center is physically housed at CSU Spur.
The College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) at Colorado State University fulfills our institution’s land-grant mission through its economic impact, cutting-edge research, and innovative education. The College offers undergraduate majors with different concentration options as well as graduate degree programs within the College and its five academic departments. The Food Innovation Center is a program that is administered and directed through the College of Agricultural Sciences.
The Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) conducts research that addresses the economic viability, environmental sustainability, and social acceptability of activities impacting agriculture, natural resources, and consumers in Colorado. The Food Innovation Center supports and collaborates with the AES stations.
A signing on bonus of up to $15,000 may be considered for successful candidates.
Position Summary
The Sensory Manager will lead the sensory program at the Food Innovation Center (FIC) at the Spur Campus of the National Western Center in Denver, Colorado and reports directly to the Director of the Food Innovation Center.
The FIC is designed to fulfill Colorado State University’s land-grant mission, serving the agricultural community through entrepreneurial support in market and product development and a diverse range of engaged education and research services addressing global challenges of food safety and nutrition security.
The FIC will complement the capabilities and expertise of the Global Food Innovation Center facility on the CSU Fort Collins campus, utilizing an end-to-end suite of product innovation facilities that will feature pilot product development labs for meat, dairy and produce, a culinary development kitchen, and consumer research spaces including sensory testing booths and focus group rooms. CSU researchers will work alongside a diverse range of partners in these spaces to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Colorado’s food and agriculture industries. The Center will also host food safety and production short courses, food safety certification and extension programming for consumer groups in Colorado and abroad.
The position will be responsible for oversight of the sensory program activities and operations, including development and recruitment of a database of panelists, conduct qualitative and quantitative studies for clients and partners, and analyze and present study data.
The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge and experience in running a sensory program, interfacing with business partners, statistical analysis, and fostering a climate of inclusion among the community, business partners, faculty and staff.
Required Job Qualifications
The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to achieve complex goals and objectives, which is evidence of high-level leadership, communication, and management skills. Specific qualifications include:
  • Bachelor’s degree in sensory science, food science, agricultural science or closely related field that can include, but is not limited to, animal sciences, agricultural economics, agriculture engineering, dairy science, chemistry, biology, psychology, data science, consumer science, and/or nutrition.
  • Minimum of five years of industry and/or research experience in sensory evaluation and/or consumer research.
  • Experience working in a tasting center with qualitative, quantitative, and discrimination sensory analysis
  • Experience using sensory software packages (Compusense or similar), analyzing and presenting statistical data.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated commitment to Principles of Community in Inclusive Excellence(https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/resources/principles-of-community/)
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by start date.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • MS or PhD in related fields listed above.
  • Trained sensory panel and focus group moderation experience.
  • Leadership experience in new program and unit development for an organization.
  • Experience in supervision of direct reports (technicians, hourly, interns)
  • Experience with interfacing and managing clients
  • Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while adhering to aggressive deadlines.
  • Background in research to support faculty research projects.
  • Experience in managing and allocating annual budgets/financial assets.
  • Demonstrated ability to adaptively manage resources with creativity and innovation.
  • Experience in recognizing, creating, and implementing plans to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within an organization.
  • Bilingual in Spanish (speak and write)
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Operations
Duty/Responsibility
  • Full oversight of the operations of the sensory program at CSU Spur
  • Manage direct relationships with clients including onboarding, explanation of testing methodologies, communication and delivery of final report.
  • Development and maintenance of sensory labs including specification of hardware/software, supplies management, and working with service providers for upkeep.
  • Writing surveys and questionnaires for client studies.
  • Execution of sensory tests including panelist recruitment and scheduling, temporary worker coordination, and kitchen and sample management.
  • Analysis of study data and creating and presenting a final report to the client.
  • Provide sensory training to internal colleagues and external customers
Percentage Of Time 50
Job Duty Category Management
Duty/Responsibility
  • Supervision and training of temporary workers and interns.
  • Manage an annual budget and work with administrative support to ensure financial stability to the sensory program.
  • Development of systems to streamline customer relationship management.
  • Weekly coordination with FIC operations manager and other FIC personnel
Percentage Of Time 20
Job Duty Category Outreach and Education
Duty/Responsibility
  • Create outreach and engagement activities for PreK-12 visitors to CSU Spur.
  • Coordinate with Spur Education Team to implement sensory education programming.
  • Support community building events and programming including school visits, career development, college readiness, and service projects.
  • Develop curriculum for industry and entrepreneurial audiences around sensory and consumer science.
Percentage Of Time 15
Job Duty Category Leadership
Duty/Responsibility
  • Provide technical leadership in sensory science
  • Identify solutions for customers and create a culture of creativity and innovation.
  • Continually tie programmatic decisions and milestones to longer term vision and goals of the Food Innovation Center and adapt as needed.
  • Establish and cultivate key relationships both internal to the university and external throughout the industry and community for mutual benefit.
Percentage Of Time 15

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter which addresses how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and contact information of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates. If you have questions, please contact [email protected]
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
Search Contact Mike Gabel, [email protected]
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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