Contract Sensory Panelist (Fragrance)

Osmo; New York (NY); On-site; USD 34,095 - 48,560; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Potential benefits after 90 days

Flexible hours

Collaborative environment

Job summary

A leading olfaction firm based in New York is seeking a Contract Sensory Panelist (Fragrance) to evaluate fragrance samples and contribute to data collection for their Olfactory Intelligence models. This part-time role requires proven olfactory acuity and a methodical approach. Responsibilities include sensory data generation and participation in training. The position offers $30/hour for evaluations with a 90-day probation. Those interested in fragrance and sensory science are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to perceive and describe nuanced odor characteristics.
• Ability to maintain concentration during sensory tasks.
• Objective mindset for sensory evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate fragrance samples and provide sensory data.
• Generate precise sensory data using internal scales.
• Test and measure fragrance integrity over time.
• Participate in sensory panel protocols.
• Engage in training for consistency.

Skills

Proven Olfactory Acuity

Focus and Discipline

Methodical Approach

Aptitude for Learning

Reliability

Job description

Overview

Osmo is a digital olfaction company on a mission to give computers a sense of smell to improve the health and wellbeing of human life. Olfactory Intelligence has applications across industries including fragrance, manufacturing, security, medicine, and more. Osmo is headquartered in New York, NY, with a new facility in New Jersey, and offices in Somerville, MA.

Osmo is seeking a highly meticulous and olfactively acute individual to join our team as Contract Sensory Panelist (Fragrance). This is a specialized, part-time contract role dedicated exclusively to generating high-quality sensory data that fuels our Olfactory Intelligence models. Successful candidates will utilize their superior sense of smell to characterize the behavior, performance, and stability of fragrance compounds and fragrance formulas, directly contributing to the digitization of scent. We are looking for individuals with a genuine passion for fragrance and a methodical approach to objective evaluation.

Contract Details

• Position Type: Part-Time Contract (90 day probationary period at 20 hours with a potential for 30 hours with benefits)
• On-Site Hours: 6 hours per day onsite, 5 days/week but only 4 hours of evaluation with 2 mandatory 30 minute breaks and a 1-hour break
• Hourly Rate: $30/hour for 4 hours of evaluation
• Location: New York City/New Jersey

Key Responsibilities

• Dedicated Olfactory Evaluation: Spend a set number of hours per day actively smelling and evaluating fragrance samples in various formats.
• Data Annotation: Generate precise, objective sensory data by performing character and intensity annotations based on Osmo’s internal scales and taxonomic lexicon.
• Stability & Performance Testing: Evaluate the evolution of odor profiles over time, measuring fragrance integrity and performance in samples pulled from stability chambers and various application tests.
• Panel Participation & Protocol Adherence: Act as a dedicated sensory panelist, following established protocols and maintaining objectivity and focus.
• Training & Calibration: Participate in required training sessions to ensure alignment with other panelists and consistency across data points.

Required Qualifications

• Proven Olfactory Acuity: Demonstrated ability to reliably perceive, differentiate, and describe nuanced odor characteristics. (Candidates will be required to pass a sensory acuity screening.)
• Focus and Discipline: Ability to maintain concentration during long-duration, repetitive sensory tasks.
• Methodical Approach: Objective mindset capable of separating personal preference from analytical sensory assessment.
• Aptitude for Learning: Eagerness and ability to quickly learn Osmo’s internal scales, definitions, and complex olfactive taxonomy.
• Reliability: High level of professionalism, reliability, and commitment to the scheduled daily working hours.

Ways to Stand Out

• Passion for Scent: Genuine interest in fragrance or olfactory science.
• Descriptive Vocabulary: Ability to articulate sensory perceptions beyond simple hedonic terms.
• Scientific Interest: Background or strong interest in chemistry, biology, or psychology related to how scent functions.

If this role inspires you we’d encourage you to apply. We are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining an incredible team optimized for a diversity of thought, background, and approaches.

For all Full-Time Employees, compensation is just one component of Osmo’s total rewards approach, which is designed to support the well-being, growth, and long-term success of our team members. Depending on the role, this may include base salary or contract-based pay, along with access to health, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match; flexible paid time off and company holidays; and equity or incentive compensation for eligible roles. Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location, internal equity, and other relevant business considerations. Osmo regularly reviews pay ranges and compensation structures to ensure they remain competitive, equitable, and aligned with current market data.

All employment decisions and responsibilities are determined based on current ability and your ability to grow, without regard to race, color, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, marital status, physical, mental, or sensory disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Osmo does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Osmo or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by the Osmo Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Osmo and Osmo will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.