Plymouth, MN, USA Part-time

• 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.

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