Sensory Panel Leader - Contract Role

MMR Research; Warren Township (NJ); 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 Sensory Panel Leader for a fixed-term contract in Warren, New Jersey. The role is on-site with some remote work on non-panel days, reporting to Victoria Paup, and involves leading panels, recruiting panelists, and coordinating sensory projects for clients.

You will work with one other panel leader on-site, ensuring high-quality descriptive analyses and adherence to strict protocols, with training provided for Compusense and hygiene practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Food/Sensory Science, Experimental Psychology, Sociology).
• Experience in sensory research and panel leadership.
• Ability to work on-site with some remote work on non-panel days/times.

Responsibilities

• Lead sensory panel sessions on clients’ projects to ensure high-quality data.
• Occasionally cover two panels when needed.
• Source, prepare and manage products and references for sessions.
• Ensure compliance with basic food hygiene standards; training provided.
• Assist with project management, resourcing, and scheduling with clients.
• Maintain ongoing communication with clients about progress and results.
• Run recruitment screening and train new panelists to standards.
• Program and run Compusense for data collection (training provided).
• Analyze panel performance and provide feedback to maximize data quality.
• Promote a positive and collaborative work environment.

Skills

Sensory research

Panel leadership

Recruitment & training

Compusense software

Client management

Food hygiene knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food/Sensory Science/Expt. Psychology

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.