Sensory Product Researcher

Job description

Join a team where deep consumer understanding drives breakthrough innovation and fuels growth for a Fortune 500 company with some of the most iconic brands! If you hold a degree in Science or Engineering and have at least two years of experience conducting sensory consumer-centered R&D research, we invite you to explore an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We are seeking a Sensory Product Researcher to join our team in Richmond, VA, or we are open to remote work arrangements.

Must be willing to travel as needed, approximately 20-30% This role is critical to understanding adult tobacco and nicotine consumer perceptions and translating insights into actionable strategies for product development and marketing. The individual will lead learning plans, advance research methodologies, and deliver consumer insights that drive strategic decisions, unlock opportunities within the existing portfolio, and support the development of new nicotine products aligned with Altria’s long-term growth vision.

What you'll be doing

Support consumer research and opportunity identification: Design and execute learning plans to uncover insights and identify opportunities that inform business strategy.

Drive cross-functional alignment

Partner with Product Development, Marketing, and other stakeholders to define research objectives and ensure alignment on priorities and deliverables.

Manage research execution

Oversee study design, vendor partnerships, and execution to deliver high-quality insights on time and within scope.

Synthesize and communicate insights

Translate complex data into clear, compelling insights and recommendations for stakeholders and leadership.

Prioritize and manage projects

Balance multiple initiatives effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Advance research methodologies

Evaluate and introduce new research approaches to improve speed, quality, and impact of insights.

Manage budgets and resources

Oversee research investments and ensure effective allocation of resources across projects.

We want you to have: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, Sensory Science, Psychology, Human Factors, Consumer Science, Biology, Chemistry or a related field. 2+ years of experience in sensory consumer-driven R&D or similar sensory products research. Knowledge in advanced sensory methodologies, design of experiments and quantitative modeling, including Driver analysis, DCE/choice modeling for product optimization and TURF for portfolio and SKU strategy.

Ability to integrate sensory, behavioral and performance data into clear insights. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to craft compelling, insight-driven stories. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced, dynamic, and ambiguous environment. Client management and consultative mindset, with confidence to challenge and debate constructively.