INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Sensory R&D Co-op

CompanyBoston Beer Company
LocationBoston
Work ModeOn Site
PostedOctober 9, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The co-op will support sensory research initiatives by executing sensory panels, managing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams on product development. They will also lead an independent research project and communicate findings to key stakeholders.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
2267
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
We are The Boston Beer Company and together we are heavy. From the very beginning, Jim Koch wanted to create a company that he would want to work for, creating a culture that celebrated beer with a passion and depth of knowledge that can’t help but be contagious to others. Forty years of brewing beer and cultivating talent later, we continue to be a passionate group of individuals who focus on raising the bar in everything we do. We're always looking for hardworking, motivated and competitive people who strive to push the boundaries and never settle. Not to be lost in the shuffle is the ability to have fun – after all, we are a beer company, and if you can’t have fun in this business, there’s something wrong!
About the Role

We're looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Co-op to join our Sensory Research & Development team, supporting sensory testing, data analysis, and product innovation initiatives. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sensory science methodologies, consumer research, and cross-functional product development within a dynamic beverage environment. As part of a 6-month co-op program, you'll work closely with Sensory Scientists and partners across Brewing, Quality Assurance, and Product Development to generate insights that support product development, innovation, and business decision-making. 

This position is part of our 6-month Co-op Program, running from January 4, 2027, through June 25, 2027. The role is fully onsite at our Boston Brewery location, with team members expected to work five days per week from our Boston Brewery.

Responsibilities

Sensory Testing & Research

  • Execute and support daily sensory panels, discrimination testing, descriptive analysis, stakeholder tastings, and drinker research to evaluate products, ingredients, and innovation initiatives.

  • Prepare samples, maintain sensory labs and testing materials, and ensure sensory best practices are followed to support efficient, high-quality testing.

  • Support ongoing sensory science initiatives and contribute to research activities across the team.

 

Data Analysis & Reporting

  • Collect, manage, analyze, and report sensory data.

  • Maintain databases and dashboards that support business decisions and long-term sensory research.

  • Summarize findings and communicate insights to support project recommendations and product decisions.

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Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Work

  • Partner with Sensory Scientists and cross-functional teams, including Brewing, Quality Assurance, and Product Development, to support project timelines, cost-savings initiatives, and product development decisions.

  • Lead an independent research project aligned with team goals and present findings to key stakeholders.

  • Participate in team meetings, sensory learning sessions, and other development opportunities throughout the co-op experience.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Statistics, Data Science, Psychology, Biology, Sociology, or a related field.
  • Must continue to be enrolled in school after the completion of their co-op.
  • Must be able to commit to a 6-month internship/co-op.
  • Must be 21 years of age or older.
  • Must be able to commute daily to the Boston Brewery in Jamaica Plain, MA.
  • Strong time management, organizational, multitasking, and data analysis skills.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with sensory testing methodologies and sensory panel execution.
  • Familiarity with sensory software such as Compusense or RedJade.
  • Experience with statistical analysis tools such as XLSTAT, JMP, SPSS, SAS, or similar platforms.
  • Previous laboratory preparation or laboratory support experience.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

 

What You'll Gain

  • Hands-on experience conducting sensory panels, analyzing sensory data, and supporting consumer research activities.
  • Exposure to stakeholder tastings, drinker research, and the broader product development process.
  • Opportunities to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Brewing, Quality Assurance, and Product Development.
  • Mentorship and professional development from Sensory R&D Scientists throughout the co-op experience.
  • Participation in team meetings, sensory learning sessions, and other developmental opportunities.
  • Ownership of an independent research project, providing valuable experience in research design, data analysis, and presenting findings to stakeholders.

 

 

The Boston Beer Company may use AI-enabled tools to assist with identifying qualified candidates and streamline recruiting operations. These tools help us improve efficiency and consistency. All hiring decisions are made thoughtfully by recruiters and hiring teams. We regularly evaluate our processes to promote fairness, reduce bias, and comply with applicable laws.

To ensure the integrity of the evaluation, please refrain from using AI-generated enhancements during your phone and virtual interviews. If we discover that you have used such enhancements without authorization or prior disclosure, you may be disqualified from the hiring process. External AI tools may not be used to transcribe or record the interview at any time. This ensures your privacy, and Boston Beer's confidential information are protected.

Key Skills
Sensory testingData analysisProduct innovationSensory scienceConsumer researchDescriptive analysisDiscrimination testingStatistical analysisLaboratory supportMicrosoft ExcelTime managementOrganizational skillsMultitaskingProject managementCommunication
Categories
Science & ResearchFood & BeverageData & AnalyticsManufacturing
Benefits
MentorshipProfessional developmentHands-on research experience
Sensory R&D Co-op - InternshipsHQ