Taste Research Senior Scientist
Our Purpose and Growth Culture:
We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Taste and Olfaction Research Senior Scientist – R&D
Our approach to business is to start with facts, based in science and our passion is to work towards a better shared future to make a difference in people’s lives, communities, and our planet. This role is a technical subject matter expert and project manager. The ideal candidate is an experienced taste biology researcher, who has an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms involved in taste and odor perception, from detection by receptors in the oral and retronasal cavities, to signal transduction to the taste cortex in the brain where signals are processed. The research will primarily focus on the mechanisms involved in sensing sweet and development of tools to collect data for improved understanding of the pathways involved in sugar and non-nutritive sweetener sensing leading to new discoveries and improved sweetening solutions. The position will also investigate olfactory perception and the connection between aroma and taste sensing, to ultimately contribute to building flavor knowledge and capability for The Company.
What You’ll Do for Us
- The candidate will be responsible for developing an improved understanding of the sensing of taste and aroma as it relates to the consumption of beverages.
- The candidate is expected to provide new insights into taste and aroma perception and preference which could lead to improvements in sweetening technologies and solutions.
- Be a subject matter expert in the area of taste biology.
- Lead collaborations with external partners on sweet taste related projects.
- Contribute to building flavor knowledge and capability for The Company.
- Collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders to deliver projects according to established timelines and budget.
- Communicate project updates and information to leadership.
- Support cross-functional teams with scientific insights into taste and olfaction.
- Gather and organize information under tight timelines to support senior management's decision-making.
- Participate in team projects, interdepartmental/divisional committees, company-wide initiatives to share information, represent the department/division perspective, and assist with product development.
- Collaborate cross-functionally within the organization to accomplish business-critical initiatives.
- Provide relevant project information and updates to leadership and other key stakeholders.
- Exemplify The Company's growth behaviors, being inclusive, iterative, curious, and empowered.
Qualification & Requirements
- Doctorate degree in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Structural Biology, Biophysics, or Physiology with a particular focus on the chemical senses.
- Postdoctoral research with a group active in the field of taste or olfactory research is preferred.
- 5+ years’ experience in taste and aroma research. Some experience in the Food & Beverage or Flavor industries is preferred.
- Expert knowledge of GPCR’s and the use of advanced molecular tools to explore biological systems.
- Ability and willingness to learn and broaden research interests across disciplines.
- Effective communication at all levels of an organization and to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to lead and influence in an agile, fast-paced and networked environment.
- Ability to set the agenda (strategic direction) and achieve success through directing others.
- Basic knowledge of computational and data approaches to biological research
- Practical sensory evaluation experience is preferred.
What We Can Do For You
- Purpose Driven: Purpose driven approach that empowers our people to protect the environment and communities we serve while delivering safe & quality products.
- Global Connections: Allows you to develop, enhance and maintain global connections that allow us to move faster and learn from others.
- Community of Belonging: We’re an organization that believes our ability to continually grow and build the right atmosphere where people feel safe and empowered, lets you bring your best self to work.
Skills: Biology, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Physiology, Project Management, Organizational skills, Multi-tasking, Assertiveness, Leadership, Working through others, Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking.
Skills:
Product Development; Leadership; Chemistry; Innovation; organization; Critical Thinking; Project Management; Physiology; Molecular Biology; Communication; Sensory Evaluation; Synthetic Biology; Structural Biology; Research Programs; Research Presentations; Teamwork; Computational Sciences