Sensory Lab Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

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.

Primary Function: Oversees all sensory lab operations, ensuring staff, resources, and schedules, and data collection align with client and leadership expectations.

Position Summary
The Sensory Lab Coordinator is responsible for the scheduling, organization, implementation, maintenance, and documentation of projects and programs. Responsible for ensuring a safe and efficient workspace in which team members can accurately complete sensory tests. This individual also oversees sample management and is the main point of contact for Sensory Technicians during sensory test execution. Beyond the local work environment, the Sensory Lab Coordinator assists in driving initiatives for continuous improvement of sensory lab practices across the organization. Once trained, this person will need to be a proactive independent person and is able to lead/manage/complete projects with minimal supervision but will be expected to ask for assistance from management or co-workers whenever needed. 

Primary Duties:

• Schedules project panels and panelists
• Directly manages implementation of projects with other lab staff and panel leaders with guidance from Sensory Consultants and/or clients.
• Plans and assigns daily and weekly tasks based on panel requirements.
• Ensures all testing is conducted according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Responsible for the project files for each client. This includes documentation of product preparation, serving conditions, blind coding, ballot, definitions, references, and methods. Input will be given from the lab staff (product details), panel leaders (ballot and definitions), and sensory consultants (methods).
• Files proposals, reports, and data files in the corporate Google Drive.  
• Serves as point of contact for clients regarding lab logistics such as scheduling and product receipt, inventory, storage, and disposal or destruction (including shipment of materials back to client for incineration when foreign country made pet food products).
• Reviews data for completeness before submission to leadership.
• Monitors inventory of supplies and orders replenishments as needed.
• Daily Lab staff direction and organization
• Implements and monitors maintenance programs to ensure sensory equipment and facilities are clean, organized, operational, and properly calibrated.
• Support 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 in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or related field. College level Sensory Science coursework is a plus.
• At least 2 years of experience in a laboratory environment is preferred either in an academic or professional setting. Sensory lab experience is a plus.
• Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Google Sheets, etc) with the ability to learn Sensory Software such as Red Jade or others.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• 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.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods as needed.
• Must be comfortable working with a wide variety of products including beverages, alcohol beverages, meat products, fried products, pet food, skin care products, and etc.
• Must be comfortable interacting professionally with a variety of people, including clients, consumers participating in studies, panelists, and other lab staff.

Schedule: Full time approximately 40 hours/week (hours are occasionally subject to change based on business needs with notice)