Sensory Trained Panelist

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 well-established products, assess product-concept fit or packaging effectiveness, understand competitive landscapes, and protect product quality from inception to the end of shelf life. SAM 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.

About the role

The Sensory Trained Panelist plays a critical role in supporting sensory research projects by ensuring attendance to the 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. Workload will be varied, so flexibility with working hours is required. Typical panel sessions will either be held between 10:00 AM–12:00 PM or between 12:30–3:00 PM.

You will learn how to objectively assess the properties of products and become part of a trained Expert Sensory Panel.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively as part of a team: exchange, listen, and reach an agreement on sensory properties.
• Evaluate products objectively and identify differences between them using software on a computer.
• Respect and apply test protocols and instructions given by the panel leader.
• Respect project confidentiality.
• Take part in further training to expand the range of products you can evaluate.
• Evaluate products using trained sensory skills to assess appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, after-feel, or other attributes depending on the study, while avoiding personal preferences or emotional reactions.
• Follow standardized testing protocols, including strict procedures for sample handling, evaluation order, timing, and scoring to ensure data consistency and scientific validity.
• Use sensory scales accurately, applying intensity scales, descriptive terms, and reference standards exactly as trained to maintain calibration across sessions.
• Participate in training and calibration sessions to learn terminology, align with the panel, and maintain consistent performance over time.
• Provide detailed and reliable feedback by recording observations clearly and accurately using digital ballots or paper forms.
• Protect all product information, prototypes, and client details as part of standard research confidentiality requirements.
• Comply with lab rules, including personal hygiene, sample handling, and safety protocols—especially when evaluating OTC or topical products.
• Attend scheduled sessions consistently, avoid strong fragrances or foods that may interfere with evaluation, and be ready to focus.
• Communicate with the panel leader to report any issues (e.g., illness, sensory fatigue, allergies, or discomfort) that may affect performance.

Skills

• Strong sensory acuity: Ability to detect small differences in appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, or tactile attributes.
• Objective evaluation skills: Capacity to separate personal preferences from product assessment and provide unbiased feedback.
• Attention to detail: Ability to notice subtle differences and describe them accurately.
• Consistency and reliability: Ability to give stable, repeatable evaluations across sessions.
• Clear verbal and written communication: Comfortable using descriptive terminology and standardized sensory language.
• Ability to follow protocols: Comfortable working within structured procedures, timing, and testing conditions.
• Basic computer literacy: Comfortable using digital ballots or tablets for data entry.

Requirements

• No conditions that impair taste, smell, or tactile perception (e.g., chronic sinus issues, active colds, skin sensitivities depending on product type).
• Availability for scheduled sessions; consistent attendance and punctuality are essential for data quality.
• Comfort with repeated product evaluation; ability to evaluate multiple samples in a controlled, repetitive format.
• Willingness to participate in training; openness to learning sensory terminology, scaling methods, and calibration exercises.
• Confidentiality and professionalism; ability to maintain discretion regarding prototypes, client information, and internal processes.
• No food allergies or intolerances.
• No skin allergies or intolerances.
• Enjoyment of tasting a variety of foods, flavors, and ingredients, smelling fragrances, and testing skin creams, soaps, and other personal care products.
• Interest in a long-term role; this position is not suitable for students or those seeking short-term work (e.g., a summer job).
• Strong interpersonal and team skills.

Pay

$16.50 per hour.

Schedule

Panel sessions are typically held between 10:00 AM–12:00 PM or 12:30–3:00 PM. Flexibility with working hours is required due to varied workload.