Jobdescription
As R&D Sensory Technician & Internal Panel Leader, you contribute to the delivery of reliable, high?quality sensory data by supporting external sensory panel activities and by leading internal sensory panels for Technical Acceptance and Shelf-Life studies.
You operate in full compliance with sensory laboratory good practices and ensure robust execution, data quality, and first-level analysis and reporting. You work in close collaboration with the Sensory Operations team, the Sensory & Product Experience (SPX) team, Manufacturing, Product Developers, and Project Managers to support R&D and factory decision-making.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Sensory Technician ? External Panels
· Support the Panel Leader and Sensory Analyst in the operational delivery of sensory testing with external panels, in compliance with sensory laboratory best practices.
· Organize sensory sessions based on defined protocols (product preparation, coding, sensory room setup).
· Set up, copy, and deploy sensory sessions in EyeQuestion when required, acting as a backup for Panel Leader & Sensory Analyst.
· Provide samples to external panelists during on?site sessions when relevant.
· Manage products under test, including procurement, storage, disposal, and associated compliance documentation.
2. Internal Panel Leader ? Technical Acceptance & Shelf-Life
· Lead internal sensory panels for Technical Acceptance and Shelf-Life studies in response to business needs.
· Screen, train, and monitor validated internal panelists; maintain all panel-related and performance records.
· Organize and conduct internal sensory sessions (product preparation, coding, sensory room setup) using EyeQuestion.
· Monitor panel performance and data quality on a routine basis; initiate corrective and improvement actions when required.
· Challenge product selection and sensory methodologies in line with study objectives and shelf-life designs, with SPX support.
· Contribute to first-level sensory analysis for simple sensory studies (e.g. comparative profiling, shelf-life studies, agile sensory methods such as DoD or RATA).
· Provide clear conclusions and actionable recommendations to requestors and stakeholders.
· Manage products under test, including procurement, storage, disposal, and compliance documentation.
3. Laboratory, Materials & Facilities
· Ensure compliance with sensory laboratory good practices and safe laboratory behavior.
· Maintain sensory equipment and facilities clean, organized, and operational.
· Order materials and supplies as required; suggest continuous improvements to laboratory organization and processes.
· Coordinate minor renovation or improvement work within the sensory laboratories.
Qualifikationen
BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES
· Precise, conscientious, and quality?focused.
· Well organized, reliable, and able to work independently.
· Strong team player with good collaboration and communication skills.
· Logical and analytical mindset with sound critical thinking.
· Proactive, flexible, and comfortable taking initiative.
· Strong sense of responsibility and ownership.
PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS
Education
· Bachelor's degree in Sensory Science, Food Science, or a related field (e.g. market research, communication with a scientific background).
Experience
· Initial experience in a sensory laboratory environment.
· Experience in the food, flavor, or beverage industry is an asset.
· Experience with internal sensory panels is a plus.
Technical Skills
· Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
· Good numerical skills with basic statistical knowledge.
· Experience with sensory software (e.g. EyeQuestion) is an asset.
· Fluent in French.
· Comfortable working in English in a professional environment.
Other
· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
· Ability to work effectively in a team and adapt to changing priorities.
· Flexibility in working hours according to business needs.