Sensory Scientist

Location: Southampton
Function: Research & Development (R&D)
Pay Rate: £18.51 per hour

About the Role

We are looking for a talented and motivated Sensory Scientist to join our Global R&D team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering high-quality sensory insights that support product development and business decision-making across multiple markets.

As a Sensory Scientist, you will be responsible for maintaining sensory best practices, supporting regional sensory panels, and ensuring the delivery of robust, reliable sensory data. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will provide expert guidance on sensory methodologies and help drive continuous improvement in sensory capabilities across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Support all regional sensory panel activities, ensuring projects are delivered on time, in full, and to the highest quality standards.
Maintain expertise across all aspects of sensory evaluation and panel management.
Ensure global alignment and implementation of sensory best practices.
Provide sensory consultancy and technical guidance to project teams and stakeholders.
Lead and coordinate sensory testing activities to generate meaningful consumer and product insights.
Manage sensory panel recruitment, screening, training, validation, and performance monitoring.
Identify and apply appropriate sensory methodologies to meet project objectives.
Analyse sensory data and communicate clear, actionable recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.
Manage regional requests relating to sensory testing, methodologies, and reporting.
Maintain accurate project documentation and ensure knowledge sharing across the wider sensory team.
Collaborate with local, regional, and virtual teams to deliver projects successfully.
Drive continuous improvement in sensory processes, facilities, digital tools, and ways of working.
Support change management initiatives and promote understanding of sensory science across the business.
Apply project management principles and digital data solutions to enhance sensory insights and decision-making.

About You

You are a highly organised and analytical professional with a passion for sensory science and a strong track record of managing sensory panels and delivering sensory insight programmes. You are comfortable working across multiple projects and communicating complex technical information to a wide range of stakeholders.

Essential Requirements

Experience

Degree qualified in a scientific discipline such as Life Sciences, Consumer Science, Sensory Science, Marketing, or a related field.
Experience establishing, managing, and maintaining sensory panels.
Proven experience organising and delivering sensory insight programmes aligned to business objectives.

Technical Skills

Strong organisational, planning, and time management skills.
Experience analysing sensory data using statistical techniques such as ANOVA and Multiple Comparison Tests.
Experience using sensory software, particularly Compusense.
Knowledge of sensory methodologies including:
Descriptive analysis (QDA, Spectrum)
Discriminative testing (Duo-Trio, Triangle, Tetrad)
Temporal methods (TDS, DTI)
Ranking and CATA approaches
Understanding of panel recruitment, training, validation, monitoring, and development.
Ability to communicate effectively in English and collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups.
Strong relationship-building and cross-functional communication skills.
Proactive, resilient, and adaptable approach to problem-solving and change.
Ability to manage stakeholder demands and prioritise sensory activities effectively.

Qualifications

Degree or professional qualification in Sensory Science, Consumer Science, Life Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.

Desirable Skills

Knowledge of consumer research and sensory networks.
Experience in digital and data science, including multivariate analysis and R programming.
Project management experience.

Why Join Us?

Opportunity to work within a global R&D environment.
Influence product innovation through sensory science and consumer insights.
Collaborate with international teams and stakeholders.
Develop expertise across a broad range of products and sensory methodologies.
Contribute to the evolution of industry-leading sensory practices.

Before You Apply

Please consider the following questions:

Do you have experience creating, managing, and maintaining sensory panels?
Do you have knowledge of sensory testing methodologies and sensory science principles?
Are you confident communicating complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences?If you answered yes to these questions, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to become part of our innovative Global R&D team.

This is a contract opportunity with a provisional end date of August 2027 although there is a strong likelihood of extension
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed