Sensory Trained Panelist

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.

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.

• 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.

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.