On-Site Sensory Research Associate I — Descriptive Panels

IFF; South Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 53,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

IFF, a global leader in flavors, fragrances, and health & biosciences, is seeking a Sensory and Consumer Research Analyst based in New Jersey. This on-site role supports descriptive sensory and consumer panels, coordinating testing across multiple projects and ensuring quality standards are met.

You will recruit and develop panelists, analyze data, generate reports, and collaborate with Creation & Design and PX Researchers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, or another related scientific discipline.
• 1–3 years of experience in a laboratory environment; sensory laboratory experience is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of sensory evaluation methodologies and sensory research principles.
• Experience working with sensory data collection platforms such as EyeQuestion, Compusense, or similar tools is an advantage.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead descriptive sensory and consumer panels, including recruitment, scheduling, vacation planning, attendance tracking, performance reviews, and ongoing panel development.
• Plan, organize, and oversee sensory panel activities to ensure efficient execution of multiple projects while aligning priorities and timelines.
• Lead descriptive sensory evaluations according to internally defined quality standards and support sensory methodology selection based on project objectives.
• Partner closely with Creation & Design (C&D) teams and PX Researchers to align testing objectives, review ballots, select samples, and provide project feedback.
• Ensure product and sample readiness by verifying quality, evaluating organoleptic characteristics, and coordinating delivery requirements, including serving conditions and testing protocols.
• Analyze sensory and discrimination test data, generate reports, maintain study documentation, and support descriptive project deliverables.
• Coordinate consumer research studies with external vendors and internal stakeholders, including recruitment, sample management, study execution, and data collection.
• Maintain sensory databases, panel performance records, and project documentation while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and standard operating procedures.
• Coach and coordinate the activities of the Panel Assistant while supporting knowledge sharing and sensory capability building across the organization.

Skills

Sensory research

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Recruitment

Education

Bachelor's degree in related science

Tools

EyeQuestion

Compusense

Job description

IFF, a global leader in flavors, fragrances, and health & biosciences, is seeking a Sensory and Consumer Research Analyst based in New Jersey. This on-site role supports descriptive sensory and consumer panels, coordinating testing across multiple projects and ensuring quality standards are met.

You will recruit and develop panelists, analyze data, generate reports, and collaborate with Creation & Design and PX Researchers.