As the world leading sensory partner, MMR Research Worldwide helps clients create extraordinary product experiences globally! We have big plans for our US operation, and we’re looking for a proactive and ambitious individual to join our growing sensory team as a full-time Sensory Panel Assistant for a 6 month fixed term contract (with the possibility of extension for the right candidate) based in our sensory experience hub in Pleasantville, New York.

MMR is an independent, global consumer and sensory research agency specializing in food, drink, personal and household care research. We are industry leaders, guiding best in class innovation for our clients – partnering with over 50% of the top 100 global food and drink brands. The chances are the last time you went to the supermarket, you bought something that we’ve influenced on its way to the shelves.

Our team of over 600 highly engaged, multi-disciplined employees are primarily dynamic research professionals, sensory experts and data scientists. We’re a diverse bunch, with backgrounds in R&D, insight, marketing, sensory science, data sciences and psychology. We also boast a true global reach with offices in the US, UK, The Netherlands, China, Singapore, India, Thailand, South Africa, Colombia and Brazil.

The Sensory Panel Assistant reports to the Sensory Managers, assisting them to ensure that sensory projects run smoothly by managing all activities related to the sensory panels’ sessions, overseeing sensory laboratory productivity, and supervising kitchen technicians.

This will be a 6 month fixed term contract starting immediately, running till July 2023 (With the possibility of extension for the right candidate).

The role role:

• Assist Panel Leaders and Project Managers with sensory projects, including participate in experiment design, preparation, process, and wrap-up/communication
• Research, source, prepare and manage products and sensory references for sensory panel sessions
• Follow, apply and document appropriate research protocols including identifying and assigning appropriate test design, measurement, and concentration calculations
• Supervise kitchen technicians, to ensure all delegated tasks are carried out efficiently and to the highest standards
• Program and run sensory software (Compusense) for sensory project data collection – training will be provided
• Maintain sensory kitchen/laboratory productivity by monitoring workload of functional areas; identifying peak and slack periods; making operational, layout, or staffing adjustment
• Assist Sensory managers in administrative duties related to the sensory panel (e.g. time-sheets, scheduling, updating databases, coordinating with panelists and contractors)
• Receive, store, inventory and prepare samples/materials for all sensory panel sessions
• Ensure that all activities carried out comply with basic food hygiene standards – training provided if required
• Maintain and develop kitchen laboratory Standard Operation Procedures by identifying information needs and problems; recommending improvements; establishing priorities; and training technicians
• Monitor stock to determine needed supplies/products, placing orders, and verifying receipt of supplies/products
• Occasionally run panel sessions to cover for illness/absences of the panel leader
• Prepare testing materials and screening supplies for recruitment

Requirements

• Hands-on experience in Laboratory or Food Service environment is ideal; in a sensory lab desirable but not essential

• A degree or certification in Food Science, desirable but not essential
• An aptitude for food preparation with limited supervision needed

• Self-management and flexibility to adapt to priority changes
• Leadership and good communication skills, both oral and written

• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• 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
• Natural passion for seeking out the most effective and efficient ways of working and being prepared to speak up about your ideas

• Computer literate, with knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. (Training will be given in the relevant software packages)
• Ability to be on your feet for pro-longed periods of time and able to lift heavy items (up to 20lb) when required

Benefits

MMR Research Worldwide is an Equal Opportunities Employer.