Sensory Research Specialist - Panels & Consumer Insights

International Flavors and Fragrances; South Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 53,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) seeks a Sensory Scientist to lead descriptive sensory and consumer panels in South Brunswick or Union Beach, NJ. This on-site role partners with C&D and PX teams to align testing objectives, review ballots, and ensure sample readiness.

Ideal candidates have 1–3 years in a lab, knowledge of sensory methodologies, and experience with EyeQuestion/Compusense. Travel between NJ sites is required about 1 day weekly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, or a related field.
• 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 with sensory data platforms such as EyeQuestion, Compusense, or similar tools is an advantage.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to work independently and manage responsibilities with limited supervision.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and data quality.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills with ability to recruit, coach, and engage sensory panelists.
• Ability to travel between South Brunswick and Union Beach as business needs require (1 day per week)

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 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 analysis

Lab experience

Data analysis

Sensory data platforms

Excel

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology

Tools

EyeQuestion

Compusense

Job description

International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) seeks a Sensory Scientist to lead descriptive sensory and consumer panels in South Brunswick or Union Beach, NJ. This on-site role partners with C&D and PX teams to align testing objectives, review ballots, and ensure sample readiness.

Ideal candidates have 1–3 years in a lab, knowledge of sensory methodologies, and experience with EyeQuestion/Compusense. Travel between NJ sites is required about 1 day weekly.