Sensory Panel Moderator

Sensation Research; Mason (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Sensation Research in Mason, OH seeks a Part-time Sensory Panel Leader to manage trained panelists evaluating aroma, flavor, texture, and appearance, turning sensory findings into actionable insights for clients.

The role includes recruiting/training panelists, designing testing protocols, and maintaining data quality, with flexible hours and collaboration with scientists and owners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 2–5 years sensory panelist Spectrum Method experience.
• 1–2 years sensory moderation experience without biasing the panel consensus.
• Ability to identify attributes and key product differences.
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills.
• Able to learn to use RedJade or other sensory software for data feedback.
• Proactive communication with lab leadership, senior scientists, and clients.
• Experience driving initiatives to successful completion.
• Team player with flexibility to schedule.

Responsibilities

• Pre-screens products to develop panel lexicons, ballots, and evaluation protocols.
• Finalizes ballot, lexicons, and protocols with panel input.
• Leads Descriptive Analysis panels.
• Manages panelist performance and data quality.
• Retrains panel with statistical feedback for high-quality data.
• Collaborates with scientists to develop panel methods and ballots.
• Uses sensory software to guide data collection.
• Mentors and recruits new panelists as needed.

Skills

Sensory moderation

Panel leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Data review

Flexibility

Client interaction

Education

Bachelor’s degree with 2-5 years sensory panelist Spectrum Method experience as a panelist

Tools

RedJade

Sensory software

Job description

Company: Sensation Research

Sensation Research is a custom Sensory and Consumer research company. We specialize in Product Development guidance for foods, beverages, alcoholic beverages and spirits, pet care, OTC pharmaceuticals, skin care, personal care, household care, flavors and fragrances.

We evaluate human perception of products using a full array of standardized and innovative qualitative & quantitative techniques including Descriptive Analysis, Discrimination Testing, Time Intensity and Consumer Testing.

Additionally, we create customized In-house Training Courses focused on Product Development guidance utilizing Sensory Science, Consumer Research and Statistics. Through experience and passion for our craft, we consistently exceed our client's expectations through attention to detail, thoughtful project planning, and insightful guidance with seamless execution.

Schedule

Part-time approximately 30-35 hours/week

Primary Function

The Sensory Panel Leader manages trained panelists to evaluate the aroma, flavor, texture, and appearance of products, ensuring objective and consistent data collection. They recruit, train, and motivate panelists, design testing protocols, review the quality of final raw data, and understand how sensory findings are translated into actionable business insights for clients. The Panel Leader works collaboratively with the lab team to regularly recruit and train new panelists to ensure that panel numbers are at the required level.

Position Summary

• Trains panelists to detect and quantify product attributes.
• Maintains motivation and focus of the panel, mentoring them to reach high data quality performance levels.
• Partners with scientists to develop specific panel methods including ballots, lexicons, protocols, panel training, data collection, and data quality review.
• Deploys and uses sensory software (like RedJade) to guide the panel in delivering high quality sensory data.
• When not working on client panels the moderator will help screen and train new panelists, run consumer tests, and other projects as identified by the Senior Scientist, Director or Owner.
• Panel Moderator assists in driving initiatives for continuous improvement of sensory practices across the organization. The Sensory Panel Leader will independently lead/manage/complete projects with minimal supervision but will be expected to ask for assistance from management or co-workers whenever needed.

Primary Duties

• Pre-screens products to develop panel lexicons, ballots, and evaluation protocols.
• Finalizes ballot, lexicons, and protocols with the panel input while removing duplicate terms and clarifying confusable terms.
• Leads Descriptive Analysis panels.
• Manages panelist performance during panel to monitor ability of panel to deliver data.
• Periodically retrains panel on specific products or attributes with statistical feedback to ensure a well-performing panel.
• Interacts with client Sensory Team as needed for training or observational auditing purposes.
• Reviews raw data to ensure panel data entry quality.

Supports Sensory Tests & Trainings

• Assist Sensory Consultants with test creation in sensory programs and launches project sessions.
• Assists with sensory training, sensory glossary development, and other sensory related activities as required.
• Coordinates and conducts sensory panel recruitment activities with lab staff implementation and Sensory Consultants’ guidance (as needed).

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree with 2-5 years sensory panelist Spectrum Method experience as a panelist
• Sensory Moderation with 1-2 years’ experience efficiently handling, without leading or biasing, of panel consensus and agreement, and effectively addressing disagreement of attribute definitions, product scores and panelist fatigue
• Ability to identify attributes in products and key differences between products
• Able to communicate verbally to give opinions and guidance on sensory attributes
• Able to listen to panelists and to draw panelists into consensus
• Accurate and consistent panelist performance
• Good communication skills
• Able to learn to use RedJade or other Sensory software to review data and give feedback to panelists on performance.
• Able to finalize data for project.
• Understanding client objectives to collect meaningful product data.
• Proactively communicating project status to lab leaders, Senior Sensory Scientist, Sensory Director and Owner.
• Experience driving initiatives to successful completion.
• Track record of working effectively in a team environment.
• Flexible work hours, as required by the business.
• A collaborative attitude, enjoys working with, learning from, and sharing knowledge with others.
• Must be comfortable working with a wide variety of products including beverages, alcohol beverages, meat products, fried products, pet food, skin care products, etc.
• Must be comfortable interacting professionally with a variety of people, including clients, consumers participating in studies, panelists, and other lab staff.
• Must track hours worked by project in payroll system.