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.

The Senior Sensory Panel Leader will oversee the analytical sensory program for a key client, ensuring the delivery of high-quality sensory insights, effective panel operations, and strong client relationships. The Panel Leader works collaboratively with the lab team to regularly recruit and train new panelists to ensure that panel numbers are at the required level. Accomplished client management skills are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-screens products to develop panel lexicons, and ballots

Finalizes ballot with the panel input while removing duplicate terms and clarifying confusable terms.

Leads Descriptive Analysis panels

Manages panelist performance during panel to monitor ability of panel to deliver data

Periodically retrains panel on specific products or attributes with statistical feedback to ensure a well-performing panel.

Interacts with client Sensory Team as needed for training or observational auditing purposes

Reviews raw data to ensure panel data entry quality

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Education in Sensory, Food Science, Psychology, or related field with at least 7 years of industry experience

Sensory Expertise – sound knowledge and experience in a range of analytical sensory analysis methods applied to food, beverage, and personal care categories, and descriptive panel leadership and supervisory role in sensory team

Sensory Moderation – efficiently handling, without leading or biasing, of panel consensus and agreement, and effectively addressing disagreement of attribute definitions, product scores and panelist fatigue

Understanding client objectives to collect meaningful product data.

Spectrum Method knowledge and skills

Ability to use RedJade or other Sensory software to review data and give feedback to panelists on performance.

Proactively communicating project status to lab leaders, Sensory Director and Owner

Works with the lab leaders to conduct the project.