Sensory Research Specialist

Staffing Network; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffing Network is seeking a Sensory Research Specialist to lead sensory panels, design consumer questionnaires, and analyze data to inform flavor and product quality decisions. This onsite role in Chicago requires a Bachelor’s in a related field and strong organizational skills.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage multiple studies, and ensure accuracy in data and reporting. Salary is hourly with growth opportunities in a dynamic sensory science team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, or related field.
• Experience facilitating sensory panels or consumer research studies.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; data management/reporting experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead sensory panels to evaluate flavor profiles, product quality, consistency, and stability.
• Design questionnaires and gather meaningful consumer and sensory feedback.
• Analyze results and provide clear, actionable reports.
• Support sensory and consumer research studies from planning through execution.
• Schedule and coordinate sensory studies to ensure timely completion.
• Prepare test samples and manage study materials.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, supplies, and equipment.
• Ensure accurate data entry, record keeping, and database management.
• Partner with teams across R&D, Quality, and Innovation.
• Share insights and recommendations to influence product decisions.
• Help improve testing processes and research methodologies.
• Ensure laboratory procedures, quality standards, and safety protocols are followed.
• Identify issues, troubleshoot challenges, and recommend solutions.
• Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in all testing activities.

Skills

Sensory panels

Consumer research

Questionnaire design

Data interpretation

Project management

Communication skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

MS Office

Data management

Job description

Are you passionate about food, consumer insights, and the science behind taste? We're looking for a detail-oriented and driven Sensory Research Specialist to join a growing Sensory Team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in evaluating product quality, flavor performance, and consumer experience while supporting product innovation and research initiatives.

If you enjoy combining science, research, and consumer behavior to understand what makes products successful, this role could be the perfect fit!

THIS IS AN ONSITE POSITION

Pay rate: 25/hr

What You'll Do

Sensory & Consumer Research

• Lead sensory panels to evaluate flavor profiles, product quality, consistency, and stability.
• Design questionnaires and gather meaningful consumer and sensory feedback.
• Analyze results and provide clear, actionable reports.
• Support sensory and consumer research studies from planning through execution.

Laboratory & Study Coordination

• Schedule and coordinate sensory studies to ensure timely completion.
• Prepare test samples and manage study materials.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, supplies, and equipment.
• Ensure accurate data entry, record keeping, and database management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with teams across Research & Development, Quality, and Innovation functions.
• Share insights and recommendations that influence product decisions.
• Help improve testing processes and research methodologies.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure laboratory procedures, quality standards, and safety protocols are followed.
• Identify issues, troubleshoot challenges, and recommend solutions.
• Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in all testing activities.

What You'll Bring

• Previous experience facilitating sensory panels, consumer research studies, or product evaluations.
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; experience with data management and reporting is a plus.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

Influence the products consumers enjoy every day.
Gain hands-on experience in sensory science and consumer research.
Work on projects that combine science, data, and human behavior.
Collaborate with talented professionals across multiple disciplines.
Grow your expertise in a specialized and highly sought-after field.
Be part of a team that values innovation, curiosity, and continuous improvement.