R&D Sensory Technician & Internal Panel Leader

As R&D Sensory Technician & Internal Panel Leader, you contribute to the delivery of reliable, high?quality sensory data by supporting external sensory panel activities and by leading internal sensory panels for Technical Acceptance and Shelf-Life studies.

You operate in full compliance with sensory laboratory good practices and ensure robust execution, data quality, and first-level analysis and reporting. You work in close collaboration with the Sensory Operations team, the Sensory & Product Experience (SPX) team, Manufacturing, Product Developers, and Project Managers to support R&D and factory decision-making.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Sensory Technician ? External Panels

· Support the Panel Leader and Sensory Analyst in the operational delivery of sensory testing with external panels, in compliance with sensory laboratory best practices.

· Organize sensory sessions based on defined protocols (product preparation, coding, sensory room setup).

· Set up, copy, and deploy sensory sessions in EyeQuestion when required, acting as a backup for Panel Leader & Sensory Analyst.

· Provide samples to external panelists during on?site sessions when relevant.

· Manage products under test, including procurement, storage, disposal, and associated compliance documentation.

2. Internal Panel Leader ? Technical Acceptance & Shelf-Life

· Lead internal sensory panels for Technical Acceptance and Shelf-Life studies in response to business needs.

· Screen, train, and monitor validated internal panelists; maintain all panel-related and performance records.

· Organize and conduct internal sensory sessions (product preparation, coding, sensory room setup) using EyeQuestion.

· Monitor panel performance and data quality on a routine basis; initiate corrective and improvement actions when required.

· Challenge product selection and sensory methodologies in line with study objectives and shelf-life designs, with SPX support.

· Contribute to first-level sensory analysis for simple sensory studies (e.g. comparative profiling, shelf-life studies, agile sensory methods such as DoD or RATA).

· Provide clear conclusions and actionable recommendations to requestors and stakeholders.

· Manage products under test, including procurement, storage, disposal, and compliance documentation.

3. Laboratory, Materials & Facilities

· Ensure compliance with sensory laboratory good practices and safe laboratory behavior.

· Maintain sensory equipment and facilities clean, organized, and operational.

· Order materials and supplies as required; suggest continuous improvements to laboratory organization and processes.

· Coordinate minor renovation or improvement work within the sensory laboratories.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

· Precise, conscientious, and quality?focused.

· Well organized, reliable, and able to work independently.

· Strong team player with good collaboration and communication skills.

· Logical and analytical mindset with sound critical thinking.

· Proactive, flexible, and comfortable taking initiative.

· Strong sense of responsibility and ownership.

PROFILE & QUALIFICATIONS

Education

· Bachelor's degree in Sensory Science, Food Science, or a related field (e.g. market research, communication with a scientific background).

Experience

· Initial experience in a sensory laboratory environment.

· Experience in the food, flavor, or beverage industry is an asset.

· Experience with internal sensory panels is a plus.

Technical Skills

· Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

· Good numerical skills with basic statistical knowledge.

· Experience with sensory software (e.g. EyeQuestion) is an asset.

· Fluent in French.

· Comfortable working in English in a professional environment.

Other

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Ability to work effectively in a team and adapt to changing priorities.

· Flexibility in working hours according to business needs.