Summer Sensory Panelist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

· 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.

This position reports directly to the Sensory Research Manager.

Key responsibilities include:

• Evaluate products objectively
• Follow standardized testing protocols
• Use sensory scales accurately
• Participate in training and calibration sessions
• Provide detailed and reliable feedback
• Maintain confidentiality
• Follow hygiene and safety guidelines
• Arrive on time and prepare
• Communicate with the panel leader

Core skills include:

• Strong sensory acuity
• Objective evaluation skills
• Attention to detail
• Consistency and reliability
• Clear verbal and written communication
• Ability to follow protocols

Qualifications include:

• No conditions that impair taste, smell, or tactile perception
• Availability for scheduled sessions
• Comfort with repeated product evaluation
• Willingness to participate in training
• Confidentiality and professionalism
• Basic computer literacy

Candidate requirements include:

• 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.

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.