Data Scientist – Sensory Modeling

Company Description

Remote role based in the US. Candidates must be physically located within the US.

R25_0029038|US

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms NIQ helps clients unlock innovation and make smarter decisions.

Job Description

As a Data Scientist – Sensory Modeling, you will play a critical role in advancing NIQ’s sensory intelligence capabilities by developing cutting-edge statistical and machine learning models. This role focuses on translating complex sensory and consumer data into actionable insights that inform product innovation and development across FMCG categories and markets.

What You’ll Do

• Develop advanced statistical and machine learning models to analyze and predict consumer sensory preferences across products, markets, and demographics
• Design and implement models for latent harmonization of sensory and consumer datasets across studies, methodologies, and geographies
• Build and apply Bayesian and hierarchical/mixed-effects models to estimate liking and sensory attribute performance
• Develop frameworks for partial pooling and cross-product generalization
• Translate sensory panel data into probabilistic predictions aligned with reference populations
• Partner with research and client success teams to design effective consumer sensory studies and experimental frameworks
• Validate and calibrate models to ensure robustness, interpretability, and business relevance
• Prototype and productionize scalable analytics pipelines
• Automate data harmonization and reporting processes across sensory and consumer datasets
• Communicate insights clearly to stakeholders, translating analytical outputs into actionable R&D and product development recommendations
• Stay current with advancements in Bayesian modeling, machine learning, and sensory science

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field
• Strong foundation in probability theory and Bayesian inference
• Experience with hierarchical/mixed-effects models and latent variable modeling
• Hands-on experience with variational inference and/or MCMC methods
• Experience working with consumer or sensory data, ideally within FMCG or adjacent industries
• Understanding of sensory data structures and methodologies (e.g., hedonics, JAR, CATA, trained vs. untrained panels)
• Proficiency in Python and/or R
• Experience with machine learning techniques
• Strong data engineering and SQL capabilities
• Experience working in cloud environments (e.g., Azure)
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex findings into clear business insights

Additional Information

Additional Information

Preferred / Differentiating Experience

• Experience in sensory and consumer science or consumer research analytics
• Experience designing experiments for sensory and consumer studies
• Experience integrating multi-study datasets (sensory, consumer, and product data)
• Familiarity with marketing science and innovation analytics
• Understanding of end-to-end product development and innovation processes
• Experience building reusable, scalable modeling frameworks
• Experience addressing panelist effects, scale-use bias, and cross-cultural differences
• Proven ability to integrate heterogeneous datasets into unified modeling frameworks
• Exposure to formulation or ingredient-level data and its relationship to sensory perception

Impact of the Role

• Drive the development of next-generation sensory intelligence capabilities
• Enable scalable measurement of product performance across FMCG categories and markets
• Improve data-driven decision-making in product development and innovation
• Influence how sensory data is analyzed, interpreted, and applied within R&D and innovation contexts

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/info/niqs-ai-safety-policies/

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence.  All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion