Sensory Trained Panelist

Eurofins USA Food Testing•Plymouth, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

SAM is a global sensory and consumer research consultancy that helps clients develop outstanding food, beverage, pet, and health & beauty products. The National Food Lab is the division of SAM that provides these services for USA-based clients, with its sensory science program located at the USA headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. The Sensory Trained Panelist plays a critical role in supporting sensory research projects by ensuring attendance to training and panel sessions. This position focuses on operational excellence and adherence to protocols to deliver high-quality data for client projects. Workload will be varied, requiring flexibility with working hours. Typical panel sessions are held between 10:00 AM-12:00 PM or 12:30 PM-3:00 PM.

Requirements

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.
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.

Responsibilities

Learn how to objectively assess the properties of products and become part of a trained Expert Sensory Panel.
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.
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.