Sensory Panel Leader - Contract Role

Mmr Research; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Generous holiday allowances

Market-leading training opportunities

Job summary

MMR Research Worldwide is seeking a proactive Sensory Panel Leader for a fixed-term contract based near Warren, New Jersey. You will lead panel sessions, recruit/train panelists, and work with clients to deliver high-quality sensory data on fast-moving projects.

This full-time role requires strong sensory science background, analytical mindset, and excellent communication. On-site work with some remote days is available; training on Compusense will be provided.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Food/Sensory Science, Experimental Psychology or Sociology is preferred.
• Passion for sensory research and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and data interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead sensory panel sessions and ensure high-quality descriptive data.
• Recruit, train, and monitor panelists; manage project timelines.
• Program and run Compusense for data collection and analysis.
• Collaborate with clients to relay progress and initial results.
• Maintain safety with basic food hygiene practices in the lab.

Skills

Sensory research

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Self-management

Teamwork

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Compusense

Job description

Sensory Panel Leader - Contract Role

Department: Sensory

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Warren New Jersey

Reporting To: Victoria Paup

Compensation: $70,000 - $90,000 / year

Description

MMR Research Worldwide has big plans for our US operation, and we're looking for a proactive and ambitious individual to join one of MMR's client managed panels as a Sensory Panel Leader.

This position is available immediately and is offered as a full-time fixed-term contract through February 2027. You will be based on-site at MMR's client facility in Warren, New Jersey, with some flexibility to work remotely on non-panel days/times.

You will work collaboratively with one other Sensory Panel Leader on-site to help manage the sensory panels and clients, as well as recruit and train new panelists.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the sensory panel and lead panel sessions on clients’ projects, to ensure smooth delivery of sensory research and consistently deliver high-quality descriptive analysis data.
• Occasionally cover two sensory panels when the other team member is unavailable.
• Research, source, prepare, and manage products and sensory references for sensory panel sessions, to ensure that products are evaluated according to strict protocols.
• Ensure that all activities carried out comply with basic food hygiene standards in order to work safely within the laboratory. Basic food hygiene training will be provided.
• Assist clients with sensory project management, ensuring appropriate resourcing and equipment, brainstorming on research design, and creating project schedules, to ensure that high quality results are delivered in a timely manner to clients.
• Work directly with clients on a regular basis so they are kept up to date with project progress, and receive and understand lexicons and initial results whenever appropriate.
• Run recruitment screening sessions and helping train new panelists to the required standards.
• Program and run sensory software (Compusense) for sensory project data collection - training will be provided.
• Analyze and monitor panel performance data on each project and providing relevant feedback and one-to-one reviews with sensory panelists in order to maximize data quality, and panel engagement and motivation.
• Promote a positive and pleasant working environment for everyone at all times!

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• A Bachelor's degree, ideally in a relevant field, such as Food Science, Sensory Science, Experimental Psychology and Sociology.
• A real passion for working in sensory research.
• Logically and analytically minded.
• Natural passion for seeking out the most effective and efficient ways of working and being prepared to speak up about your ideas.
• Great attention to detail - should be able to check own work and others' work for inconsistencies and take the necessary action to rectify any errors/problems.
• Strong in both team and independant work.
• A self-starter and strong in self-management, adapting to changing needs whilst keeping stakeholders informed.
• Interpersonal and communication skills.
• An aptitude for food preparation with limited supervision needed.
• A level of computer literacy. Training on software will be provided.
• Able to be on your feet for prolonged periods of time and able to lift up to 20lb when required.

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.