Sensory Trained Panelist

Company Description

SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy . Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet, and health & beauty products so as to  create high quality and memorable experiences.  We help our clients:

- Develop new product ideas
- Re-energize a well-established product
- Assess product-concept fit or packaging effectiveness
- Understand the product, brand and category competitive landscapes
- Protect product quality from inception to the end of shelf life

SAM The National Food Lab is the division of SAM that provides these services for all USA-based clients. Our sensory science program resides in our USA headquarters in Minneapolis, MN.

Job Description

Pay Range: $16.50/Hr.

The Sensory Trained Panelist plays a critical role in supporting sensory research projects by ensuring attendance to the training and panel sessions. Working directly with the Panel Leader and reporting to the Sensory Research Manager , this position focuses on operational excellence and adherence to protocols to deliver high-quality data for client projects.

Workload will be varied, so we ask that you are flexible with working hours. Typical panel sessions will either be held between 10:00 AM-12:00 PM or between 12:30-3:00 PM.

Job Description:

· You will learn how to objectively assess the properties of products and become part of a trained Expert Sensory Panel.

As a trained, expert panelist you will be expected to:

· Work collaboratively as part of a team: exchange, listen, reach an agreement on sensory properties.

· Evaluate products with objectivity and identify the differences between them, using software on a computer.

· Respect and apply test protocols and instructions given by the panel leader.

· Respect project confidentiality.

· Take part in further training to expand the range of products that you can evaluate.

Reporting Line:

This position reports directly to the Sensory Research Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

- Evaluate products objectively

Use trained sensory skills to assess appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, after-feel, or other attributes depending on the study. Avoid personal preferences or emotional reactions.

- Follow standardized testing protocols.

Adhere to strict procedures for sample handling, evaluation order, timing, and scoring to ensure data consistency and scientific validity.

- Use sensory scales accurately .

Apply intensity scales, descriptive terms, and reference standards exactly as trained to maintain calibration across sessions.

- Participate in training and calibration sessions .

Attend regular training to learn terminology, align with the panel, and maintain consistent performance over time.

- Provide detailed and reliable feedback.

Record observations clearly and accurately using digital ballots or paper forms, depending on the study design.

- Maintain confidentiality

Protect all product information, prototypes, and client details as part of standard research confidentiality requirements.

- Follow hygiene and safety guidelines

Comply with lab rules, including personal hygiene, sample handling, and safety protocols—especially when evaluating OTC or topical products.

- Arrive on time and prepare

Attend scheduled sessions consistently, avoid strong fragrances or foods that may interfere with evaluation, and be ready to focus.

- Communicate with the panel leader

Report any issues (e.g., illness, sensory fatigue, allergies, or discomfort) that may affect performance.

Core Skills

- Strong sensory acuity Ability to detect small differences in appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, or tactile attributes.

- Objective evaluation skills Capacity to separate personal preferences from product assessment and provide unbiased feedback.

- Attention to detail Ability to notice subtle differences and describe them accurately.

- Consistency and reliability Ability to give stable, repeatable evaluations across sessions.

- Clear verbal and written communication Comfortable using descriptive terminology and standardized sensory language.

- Ability to follow protocols Comfortable working within structured procedures, timing, and testing conditions.

Qualifications

- No conditions that impair taste, smell, or tactile perception (e.g., chronic sinus issues, active colds, skin sensitivities depending on product type).
- Availability for scheduled sessions Consistent attendance and punctuality are essential for data quality.

- Comfort with repeated product evaluation Ability to evaluate multiple samples in a controlled, repetitive format.

- Willingness to participate in training Openness to learning sensory terminology, scaling methods, and calibration exercises.

- Confidentiality and professionalism Ability to maintain discretion regarding prototypes, client information, and internal processes.

- Basic computer literacy Comfortable using digital ballots or tablets for data entry.

Candidate Requirements:

- No food allergies or intolerances.
- No skin allergies or intolerances.
- Would enjoy tasting a variety of different foods, flavors and ingredients, smell a variety of different fragrances and test skin creams, soaps & other personal care products.
- Interested in a long-term role – please do not apply if you are a student or looking for short-term work e.g. a summer job.
- Interpersonal team skills.

Additional Information

Pay Range: $16.50/Hr.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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