Sensory Technician

Mérieux NutriSciences•Miami, FL

About The Position

The Sensory Technician prepares samples for processing and maintains documentation to support analysis procedures. The role follows preparation methods and standard operating procedures, tracks samples through testing, supports sensory evaluations, and helps ensure accurate, safe, and properly documented work. The technician communicates with internal teams, clients, supervisors, managers, and external panelists, and supports quality and continuous improvement activities. The position is based at 5707 Waterford District Dr, Miami, Florida. The work takes place in a kitchen or office setting with proper lighting and temperature control. Occasional exposure to oven heat may occur. Gloves and a laboratory coat may be required depending on the process. The role may involve extended standing and continuous lifting of materials weighing 10–50 pounds. Travel is not required.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of sensory practices sufficient to perform testing procedures and obtain accurate results.
General knowledge of sample preparation practices and documentation.
Ability to understand sensory tests, general workflow, batch sheets, and kitchen sheets, and to read documents needed to perform departmental tasks.
Basic bench skills and understanding of measurements and good laboratory practices.
Planning skills to maintain supplies and complete analyses within specified time.
Ability to make precise measurements and prepare samples according to client testing requirements.
Ability to use standard procedures and established guidelines to address testing problems.
Interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Problem-solving, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Basic knowledge of personal computers for entering testing data and results.
General knowledge of the Sensory Information Management System (SIMS).
Basic familiarity with preparation tools and utensils commonly used in a preparation kitchen.
General knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and policies.

Responsibilities

Prepare samples using good laboratory practices, document each step, and sanitize the testing area after each set of samples.
Set up evaluation rooms, deliver and collect individual samples, perform basic daily cleanup, and interact appropriately with external panelists.
Track samples during testing and communicate sample arrivals, sensory test schedules, and outstanding sample needs to other groups.
Check samples for expiration dates and follow proper, safe handling practices.
Follow master preparation documentation, methods, and standard operating procedures, and complete required documentation.
Document training and ask supervisors questions to build knowledge of sensory methods and processes.
Report errors to the supervisor and assist with investigations of sensory non-conformances.
Enter and review information in the Sensory Information Management System (SIMS), including stopping tests and looking up samples.
Communicate professionally and courteously with clients, coworkers, supervisors, managers, external panelists, and potential participants.
Identify supply needs to help maintain stock and prevent interruptions to testing.
Perform housekeeping tasks and complete, sign, update, and file daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly records; provide completed records to the appropriate personnel.
Support corporate quality and continuous improvement processes (TQM).
Perform other related duties as needed.