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Job Description: Sensory Scientist / Sensory & Consumer Insights ScientistCompany: MARS CosmeticsLocation: Delhi (On-site)Function: R&D / Product InnovationRole purposeOwn the sensory measurement system for MARS—turn “feels premium / spreads well / smells clean” into reliable language, scores, and insights that guide formulation decisions and predict consumer liking.Key responsibilitiesBuild and run MARS’ sensory program across makeup + skincare: descriptive analysis, attribute rating, preference tests, CLT/HUT support.Create and maintain a sensory lexicon and scorecards (e.g., slip, drag, cushion, tack, afterfeel, greasiness, powderiness, film, dry-down time, pay-off, blurring).Recruit/train a trained internal panel; ensure calibration, repeatability, and panel performance tracking.Design studies: sampling plan, blinding/randomization, test conditions, bias controls, and statistical validity.Convert results into actionable formulation guidance: what to change (emollients, powders, polymers, silicones, emulsifiers) to move specific attributes.Partner with R&D on benchmarking: competitive mapping, “gold standard” references, and sensory targets per category/price tier.Connect sensory to instrumental data: rheology/viscosity, tribology/friction, texture analyzer spread/firmness, gloss, payoff, wear tests—build correlations where possible.Work with fragrance team/suppliers to evaluate fragrance performance in base: bloom, dry-down, off-notes, stability shifts, packaging interactions.Maintain SOPs, data integrity, and a searchable sensory database of prototypes and market products.Present insights to leadership in a crisp way: heatmaps, perceptual maps, drivers of liking, and “next experiments” recommendations.Success metrics (KPIs)Repeatability of panel scores (low variance; high discrimination).Time-to-decision reduction in development (fewer reformulation loops).Correlation between sensory scores and consumer liking / repurchase intent.Clear category benchmarks + sensory targets adopted by formulators.QualificationsMS/PhD in Sensory Science, Food Science, Psychology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutics, or related.3–8 years in sensory/consumer research (beauty preferred; FMCG acceptable with strong transferable methods).Strong working knowledge of sensory methods + stats (ANOVA, PCA, preference mapping; regression).Comfortable in lab settings and with product handling protocols and hygiene standards.Must-have skillsSensory panel training + test designQuantitative analysis + insight storytellingCross-functional collaboration with formulatorsHigh sensory acuity and disciplined evaluation habitsNice-to-haveExperience in color cosmetics sensory (payoff, slip, blurring, tack, transfer)Exposure to tribology/rheology/texture analyzer workExperience managing fragrance evaluation with suppliersWhat we offer High ownership role building MARS’ sensory capability end-to-end; direct impact on product quality and repeat purchase.