Sensory Panel Assistant (Flora)

Mmr-Research-Worldwide-Ltd; Beneden-Leeuwen; On-site; EUR 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Generous holiday allowances

Industry-leading training

Job summary

MMR Research Worldwide is seeking a part-time Sensory Panel Assistant for Flora in Wageningen, NL. The role supports day-to-day sensory panel operations, administration, study preparation, and continuous improvement within FloraFG’s sensory team.

Schedule is 20 hours per week, Monday–Friday 08:00–12:00, with potential for longer-term growth. The ideal candidate has an interest in Sensory Science, good communication, and strong organisational skills to ensure high standards of panel execution and

Qualifications

• Interest in sensory science; prior experience in the field is desirable.
• Confident communicator able to express ideas clearly.
• Collaborative team player in multidisciplinary settings.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Panel operational support: own sample preparation and logistics for sessions.
• Panel administration and coordination: maintain documentation and recruit panellists as needed.
• Study support: assist with questionnaire setup and reference materials; follow SOPs.
• Panel session support: assist during sessions and provide cover during absences.
• Continuous improvement: identify inefficiencies and contribute to SOPs and new processes.

Skills

Sensory science

Clear communicator

Team player

Time management

English fluency

Job description

Sensory Panel Assistant (Flora)

Department: Sensory

Employment Type: Permanent - Part Time

Location: Wageningen, NL

Reporting To: Tanja Küller

Description

The Panel Assistant reports to the Senior Sensory Panel Leader and works closely with other Panel Leader and the FloraFG sensory team to support the day-to-day operation of MMR’s dedicated sensory panels within FloraFG.

The role provides operational, logistical and administrative support to ensure the smooth running of sensory panel activities and continuity of programme delivery. Takes ownership of preparation, logistics and coordination activities.

The role combines preparation area operations, panel administration and study support responsibilities and is critical in maintaining high standards of panel execution and operational efficiency.

This will be a part-time role on a 0.5 FTE basis (20hrs a week). It is a temporary position with the potential to grow into a longer-term role.

Work schedule: Monday through Friday from 8.00 - 12:00

Key Responsibilities

Panel operational support

• Take full ownership of sample preparation activities for sensory panel sessions, ensuring products are prepared accurately and according to study requirements
• Prepare sensory booths, panel rooms and preparation areas before sessions and ensure all areas are restored following use
• Manage preparation area logistics, including stock monitoring, ordering and receipt of consumables and materials
• Maintain inventory systems and ensure traceability of materials and references
• Ensure all activities comply with food safety and hygiene standards and FloraFG site procedures
• Potentially support with internal panel activities

Panel administration and coordination

• Prepare and maintain panel documentation, panel administration systems, databases and records
• Coordinate routine communications with panellists and support day-to-day panel queries under supervision of the panel leaders
• Support onboarding activities and administration linked to recruitment of new panellists
• Assist with organisation of panel engagement activities and appreciation initiatives

Study support

• Support questionnaire setup and session preparation activities (EyeQuestion)
• Prepare materials required for sensory studies and panel activities
• Apply standard operating procedures consistently and elevate uncertainties where required
• Support preparation of panel performance materials and documentation
• Assist with preparation of sensory references and training materials

Panel session support

• Provide support during panel sessions and sensory activities
• Depending on experience and training level, support delivery of simple sensory sessions independently where appropriate
• Provide basic cover support during planned and unplanned absences where operationally required
• Escalate operational issues, risks or deviations appropriately

Continuous improvement

• Support ongoing improvement of preparation areas processes and ways of working
• Identify operational inefficiencies and propose practical improvements
• Contribute to maintaining SOPs and documentation standards (ISO certified lab environment)
• Support implementation of new operational processes where required

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Strong interest in Sensory Science; prior experience in the field is highly desirable
• Confident communicator with the ability to express ideas clearly
• Collaborative team player who works well in multidisciplinary settings
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively
• Fluent in English (spoken and written)

Success in this role will be demonstrated through:

• smooth and reliable execution of panel operations
• effective ownership of sample preparation and logistics
• high-quality panel administration and documentation
• proactive support to Senior Panel Leaders
• contribution to stable, efficient and high-performing sensory programme delivery

A bit about us and our benefits!

We’re MMR Research Worldwide – the global sensory and consumer research experts behind many of the world’s biggest brands in food, drink, personal and household care. From bold new flavours to breakthrough product experiences, we help turn great ideas into products people truly love.

With teams across the UK, US, Asia and Africa, we blend science, creativity and curiosity to shape the future of everyday products. Join us and you’ll be part of a fast-growing, innovative company where your ideas matter and your career can thrive.

It’s our people that make all of this possible.

We are proud of our collaborative culture which is driven by strong leadership and offers industry-leading training and growth opportunities.

At MMR, we're committed to ensuring the happiness and well‑being of each employee, regardless of where they are in the world! We offer a wide range of core and additional benefits. Competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and market‑leading training opportunities are standard here. Our vibrant culture, talented team, and focus on employee wellbeing is what makes MMR so special.