Sensory Panel Leader

Shift: Monday- Friday 8am- 5pm

The Panel Leader is responsible for managing and guiding sensory panelists to ensure accurate high-quality data collection for sensory research projects. This role involves coordinating daily panel activities monitoring panelist performance and maintaining adherence to established methodologies and standards. The Panel Leader works closely with the Sensory Research Manager to support project execution and ensure smooth workflow across all sensory evaluations.

Reporting Line:

This position reports directly to the Sensory Research Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Panel Leadership & Execution

• Organize and lead sensory panel sessions ensuring compliance with protocols and delivering accurate reliable data collection.
• Recruit train manage and motivate sensory panelists to maintain engagement and performance.
• Prepare and conduct sensory tests including descriptive profiling temporal assessments and discrimination testing.
• Monitor and follow up on panelist performance providing feedback and implementing improvements for efficiency and quality.
• Maintain a positive and productive environment for panelists and ensure adherence to safety guidelines during all testing activities.
• Participate in quality assurance processes to uphold methodological rigor.

2. Project Support & Coordination

• Support the Sensory Research Manager in designing and executing projects to clients full satisfaction.
• Supervise receipt inventory labeling and proper storage of products for assigned projects.
• Update the Sensory Project Tracker weekly and as new projects are scheduled.
• Develop product preparation and shopping instructions for manager and client review/approval.
• Lead the development of lexicons (including references) and related panel orientation sessions working closely with the manager and client for approval.
• Create reference preparation sheets for Descriptive Analysis (DA) and hand off to sensory technicians.
• Create sample blinding codes and serving rotation using sensory software. 
• Provide technicians with detailed serve timing instructions to ensure sample quality and consistency.
• QC survey programming for projects as assigned.
• Schedule sensory panelists for orientation and data collection sessions. 
• Lead panel sessions and perform data quality checks.
• Assist in data analysis and reporting results to clients.

3. Shelf-Life & Quality Programs

• Support execution of Sensory Shelf-Life projects including developing pull and evaluation schedules for manager review.
• Supervise daily testing for retailer Own Brand/Private Label quality programs.

4. Administrative & Compliance

• Track panelist working hours daily/weekly and enter CRM time tracking system.
• Collaborate to organize work environment including product/equipment storage areas.
• Comply with SOPs methods and established policies and procedures.

2. People

• Collaborate closely with the field team to ensure smooth execution of projects.
• Work in partnership with other members of the sensory and research team technician and the Data Solutions Hub to ensure the success of the projects.

3. Strategy

• Ensure that all panel activities and projects align with the companys strategic guidelines.

Qualifications :

• University degree ideally in food science social sciences psychology statistics or economics.
• Experience in project management and/or running a sensory panel is desirable.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and the local language.
• Passion for sensory science.
• Experience with sensory softwares such as Redjade Eye Question or Compusense preferred.
• High Attention to Detail
• Excellent organization skills and the ability to multitask
• Team player upbeat and positive flexible and adaptable
• Strong skills in word processing applications such as Microsoft Word Excel PowerPoint & Outlook is required
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word Excel PowerPoint).
• Rigorous responsive and proactive approach to work.
• Strong organizational and planning skills to prioritize tasks effectively and meet deadlines.

Additional Information :

Shift: Monday- Friday 8am- 5pm

• Excellent full time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage dental and vision options
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries to make life and our environment safer healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat to the water you drink to the medicines you rely on Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.

The Eurofins network of companies is the global leader in food environment pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. It is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics discovery pharmacology forensics advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations. It also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.

In over 30 years Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes France to 58000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 54 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety identity composition authenticity origin traceability and purity of biological substances and products.

In 2021 Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR 6.72 billion and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.

Eurofins USA Food Testing is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time