Sensory Trained Panelist

About the role

SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy. Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet, and health & beauty products so as to create high quality and memorable experiences. We help our clients: develop new product ideas, re‑energize a well‑established product, assess product‑concept fit or packaging effectiveness, understand the product, brand and category competitive landscapes, and protect product quality from inception to the end of shelf life. The National Food Lab is the division of SAM that provides these services for all USA‑based clients. Our sensory science program resides in our USA headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. The Sensory Trained Panelist plays a critical role in supporting sensory research projects by ensuring attendance to training and panel sessions, working directly with the Panel Leader and reporting to the Sensory Research Manager. This position focuses on operational excellence and adherence to protocols to deliver high‑quality data for client projects. You will learn how to objectively assess the properties of products and become part of a trained Expert Sensory Panel, taking part in further training to expand the range of products you can evaluate. Reporting line: this position reports directly to the Sensory Research Manager.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate products objectively
• Use trained sensory skills to assess appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, after‑feel, or other attributes depending on the study
• Avoid personal preferences or emotional reactions
• Follow standardized testing protocols
• Adhere to strict procedures for sample handling, evaluation order, timing, and scoring to ensure data consistency and scientific validity
• Use sensory scales accurately
• Apply intensity scales, descriptive terms, and reference standards exactly as trained to maintain calibration across sessions
• Participate in training and calibration sessions
• Attend regular training to learn terminology, align with the panel, and maintain consistent performance over time
• Provide detailed and reliable feedback
• Record observations clearly and accurately using digital ballots or paper forms, depending on the study design
• Maintain confidentiality: protect all product information, prototypes, and client details as part of standard research confidentiality requirements
• Follow hygiene and safety guidelines: comply with lab rules, including personal hygiene, sample handling, and safety protocols—especially when evaluating OTC or topical products
• Arrive on time and prepare: attend scheduled sessions consistently, avoid strong